Kaiser Reich 1900-1914 Flashcards
In the constitution who were the army responsible to?
They were outside the constitution as an AUTONOMOUS body- only responsible to the Kaiser. They were much admired as they had been crucial in Germany’s reunification
What were the four key powers the Kaiser held?
1)Controlled the army 2)Controlled foreign policy 3)Could dissolve the R’stag 4)Appointed/dismissed the Chancellor
What made the R’stag especially democratic?
It had universal male suffrage for those over 25 and represented all 25 federal states
Who was the Chancellor from 1871-1890?
Chancellor Bismarck
At what age did Kaiser Wilhelm II ascend the throne?
29
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II rule?
1) Contempt for democracy 2)Didn’t think he should share power with the R’stag 3)Wanted glory and relied on the army
From what class were all the chancellors from and who were they responsible to?
Junker Class and solely to the Kaiser (not the R’stag)
What was the Bundesrat?
1) Law-making upper house in Federal Parliament 2)Barrier to RADICAL legislation
How many seats did Prussia hold in the Bundesrat?
17/58
Who succeeded Bismarck until 1894?
Chancellor von Caprivi
What did the R’stag control and who controlled it?
Finance of Defence budget. Elected via Universal male suffrage. Kaiser could dissolve it. No control of laws, army or chancellor.
What were the dates Chancellor Hohenloe was in office?
1894-1900
What are the 3 strengths of the constitution?
Universal Male suffrage. Could address domestic issues. Strong individuals made effective government.
Who was chancellor from 1900 - 1909?
Chancellor von Bulow
What are 3 main weaknesses of the constitution?
Kaiser has too much power. Army only loyal to Kaiser. Contempt for democracy from the powerful men.
When was Bethmann-Hollweg chancellor?
1909-1917
What are the 1912 election results for the SPD?
110 seats WON from 56 —- 4.25 million votes
How do the consequences of the 1912 election suggest policy was driven by the people?
*Rich Industrialists wanted a greater say in politics *Rapid growth of pressure groups (Trade Unionism)–> WELTPOLITIK headed by the Kaiser for galvanising
Did government adapt to urbanisation and the growing cities?
NO— there was no change in representation in the Bundesrat