Germany: Part 1 Flashcards
How Germany was ruled:
The Kaiser: had complete control, picked chancellor.
The Chancellor: had power over politics and appointments - only answerable to the Kaiser.
The Reichstag: the parliament. Had a lot less power than chancellor and Kaiser. Could discuss, amend and vote on new legislation, but couldn’t decide on topics in question.
Background info
- Germany was a new country (from 1871).
- Unification occurred after they defeated France in 1870.
- Berlin the capital of Prussia (the largest state) became the capital of the empire.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
- determined to control german affairs himself rather than the chancellor.
- angry, violent man.
- the previous chancellor Bismarck had more power than Wilhelm I (Will II’s grandfather) and had introduced a national coinage, postal service, law system, railway network and army. Failed to get rid of immigrants.
“Place in the sun”
- Kaiser thought Germany, with its industrial growth, rising population and national ambition, could achieve international success.
- He saw the European powers take colonies in the ‘Scramble for Africa’, he wanted Germany to build an overseas empire there. Wanted an army to match Britain’s and defeat it.
Parliamentary government
- Was developing: there were sever major political parties, none having majority so governments were coalitions.
- Rightwing parties were strong and keen to expand German empire.
- Social democrat party grew in popularity due to the increasing no. of industrial workers, it promoted equality.
Industrialism
- strengthened rapidly under Wilhelm II.
- In 1880 Germany had been making half as much steel as Britain but, 1914 made twice as much.
- they led the world in chemical and steel. Exports rose and trade flourished
- population grew from 40mil in 1871 to near 68mil in 1914. Provided manpower for growing industries.
Social reform & the growth of socialism
- society dominated by traditional ruling classes.
- increased industrial workers meant increase in support for socialism.
- they wanted rights: government tried to pacify them by introducing pensions in 1889 (20 yrs before Britain) and sickness&accident insurances covered near 14mil Germans by 1911.
Why were workers still not happy?
- didn’t have enough rights.
- wanted to be equal to other classes in society.
- so support for left wing increased and social democrats had about 30% of Reichstag seats in 1912.
Influence of Prussian military
- army swore allegiance to the Kaiser.
- military chiefs’ influence often determine German foreign policy.
- many admired what it stood for in this new country.
- Kaiser wanted a powerful navy, was photographed wearing military uniform.
- part of his dream of ‘welt politik’
Naval Laws
- The first passed in 1898 despite conservative + socialist opposition: allowed 7 battle ships + original 12.
- Second in 1900: fleet increased to 38
- Early 1900s: more laws passed as Germans believed Britain was trying to become more powerful.
- British were fighting the Boer war and Germany were opposed.
Impact of WWI: economic
- Germany bankrupt.
- National income abt 1/3 is what it had been in 1913
- The state spent abt 1/3 if it’s budget in war pensions.
- Industrial production was abt 2/3 if what it had been in 1913.
- Many german workers were bitter abt restrictions placed on their wages during the war while factory owners made loads.
Impact of WW1: social + economic
- war had deepened division in society.
- huge gaps between living standards of rich and poor.
- many people annoyed at women working during war as it was seen to damage traditions and society.
- 600,000 widows and 2mil fatherless children by 1925.
Kaisers abdication
Sailors in northern Germany mutinied and took over town of Kiel when Kaiser refused to make Germany democratic.
Triggered other revolts.
Socialists led uprisings of workers and soldiers in other german ports.
An independent socialist republic was declared in Bavaria. Kaiser had to step down.
Treaty of Versailles
-Reparations costed Germany £6,600mil.
-Couldn’t possibly pay it.
-Armed forces were limited.
-Lost overseas empire.
As a result they lost 12.5% of their population, abt 10% of land and almost half of its iron and steel industry.
The allies were suspicious of Germany.
Invasion of the Ruhr
- Germany couldn’t pay 2nd instalment of war debts in 1922 so French&Belgian troops entered the Ruhr in January 1923. Began to take their produce as payment.
- Workers were told to stop working so there’d be nothing to take.
- French reacted harshly: killed over 100 workers and expelled over 100,000 protestors from the region. Striking caused collapse of German currency.
