Germany Pre-1914 Flashcards
How did socialism cause problems for Kaiser Wilhelm?
- He feared a working class rebellion
- Hated communism, believed in Divine Right of Kings, autocratic ruler
- By 1912, SPD biggest party in Reichstag
What was parliament made up of pre-1914?
Bundesrat - Mainly Junkers, rich, chosen by Kaiser, more powerful than the Reichstag
Reichstag - represented the German people, voted for by men over 25
Chancellor was appointed by the Kaiser
How did industrialisation cause problems for Kaiser Wilhelm II?
Industrialisation caused an increased urban proletariat, who faced problems such as overcrowding and disease. The SPD represented them and so more people turned to socialism
How did the Kaiser deal with the rise of socialism?
Introduced social law - banned Sunday working, child labour, etc. to make him more popular + reduce SPD popularity
Crack down on workers spreading communism by using police force to disrupt their meetings
What were the advantages of the Navy Laws?
Appealed to people’s nationalism and patriotism, new jobs
What were the disadvantages of the Navy Laws? Who opposed them?
The SPD opposed the Navy Laws due to high cost
The army though they deserved more funding than the navy
Germany entered arms race with Britain
Government in debt from borrowing money
What was Prussian militarism?
Prussia was often under threat from invasion, so children in schools were taught to respect the army, high military spending, army swore oath to Kaiser
At the end WW1, army generals controlled Germany through martial law
What was Weltpolitik?
World policy
The Kaiser wanted to expand the army, navy, become a great power, and expand Germany’s colonies
What is the German word for wanting to expand the navy?
Flottenpolitik
