Nazi Germany: Kaiser's Reign 1890-1918 Flashcards
What is democracy, communism and socialism?
Political systems:
Democracy - population votes for its government in regular elections.
Communism - also an economic and social system involving state control of economy + less focus on individual rights - collective.
Socialism - the idea that power and wealth should be shared equally.
What is the difference between a left and right wing government?
Left-wing = workers rights!! gained most support from expanding German workforce. (Russia)
Right-wing = traditional values and landowner and property owner rights!! nationalistic and imperialistic!!
How was Germany unified in 1871? (context)
Germany was unified as a single country in 1871 when 25 previously independent states joined together to create the new German Empire. The Empire’s constitution was a federal one. This meant that each state kept their own individual princes, constitutions and governments.
What were the different roles of the German government?
The constitution of the Empire’s central government was a complicated one, made up of several different bodies:
The Emperor (Kaiser) – Head of the armed forces, controlled foreign policy, and appointed the Chancellor.
The Chancellor – In charge of the government and had authority over the Bundesrat.
The Bundesrat – Federal Council made up of 58 representatives from the 25 states. Introduced laws to the Bundestag and power to approve them.
The Reichstag – Federal parliament made up of 397 deputies. Voted on laws introduced by the Bundesrat.
What were the weaknesses of the German system?
The Kaiser had the final say on the law
The Kaiser could remove/fire the Chancellor
The Kaiser could dismiss/send home the Bundesrat and the Reichstag
Essentially - the Kaiser was IN CONTROL
How did the changing situation in Germany make the workers want the Kaiser to abdicate?
Industrialisation:
- 1900 - Germany = largest industrial economy in Europe
- 1910 - 60% of Germans lived in towns/cities
- Population of Berlin doubled between 1875 and 1910
Growth of Parliamentary government:
- middle class grew richer
- workers = biggest group but poor living + working conditions leading to trade unions + strikes - worried the rich
Rise in left-wing political groups:
- left wing SPD (social democratic party) grew rapidly
- 1912 - SPD was the largest party in the Reichstag - represent workers rights - worried the right-wing government
Socialist reforms:
- Kaiser under pressure to introduce socialist reforms
- had already given in to some - pensions and health insurance schemes = covered 14 mill Germans
- however many wanted MORE to be done - felt only if Kaiser removed
Instead of farming and mining, manufacturing (electrical products - Siemens and AEG), chemicals and motor construction (Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler) became the most important sectors of the German economy.
How did the Kaiser’s own actions make the people want him removed?
The Kaiser was a:
- militarist = believes a country should have a strong military
- nationalist = believes his country is the best
- imperialist = believes in extending a country’s power by building an empire
Weltpolitik:
- 1898 on - Germany massively expanded its navy - designed to turn Germany into a world power by building an empire + increasing trade
Navy Laws:
- 1898-1914 - 5 Naval Laws were passed in Germany
- each built more battleships
- person behind = Admiral von Tirpitz
- as a result - were in 490 billion marks of debt by 1913
Socialist resistance:
- SPD + supporters felt money should be spent on domestic policies to improve living + working conditions of the working class.
How did WWI make the people want the Kaiser removed?
During the war:
- British naval blockade =severe food shortages
- 1918 - >290,000 Germans died from starvation and hypothermia
Economic problems:
- limited Germany’s ability to trade
- currency was losing its value and inflation rising rapidly
Kiel Mutiny:
- 3rd Nov 1918 - at the naval base in Kiel, frustrated German soldiers mutinied
- sparked rebellions all over Germany + within days led to collapse of Germany gov = short term cause of end of WWI
- Kaiser prided himself on strongest army so = final nail in coffin
End of War:
- rising unrest in early Nov = clear Germany would be forced to surrender
- German politicians felt that USA, Britain, France (all democratic countries) = more willing to treat G fairly if they also introduced democracy
How did the Kaiser abdicate in 1918? And what were the overall reasons?
Abdication:
- by 9/11/1918 - clear the Kaiser would be unable to contiue his rule
- abdicated the throne + temporary government was set up by Friedrich Ebert - leader of SPD. Germany surrendered 11/11/1918.
Why?
- workers rights
- economic failure
- democracy = treated better by allies
