Part 1 : Germany before WW1

Question 1

How was Germany unified?

Answer 1

• Before 1871, Germany consisted of 25 independent states, with Prussia being the most powerful.
• Otto von Bismarck, Prussia’s prime minister, united the states through wars against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870–71).
• After defeating France in the Franco-Prussian War, the states agreed to unify under Kaiser Wilhelm I as Emperor.

Question 2

What were the impacts of unification?

Answer 2

• Germany became a major European power.
  Industrialisation accelerated due to a unified workforce.
• France was angered by losing Alsace-Lorraine, increasing tensions.
• Britain grew concerned about Germany’s growing power.

Question 3

How much power did Kaiser Wilhelm II have over the government?

Answer 3

• The Kaiser was the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the army.
• He could dismiss the Reichstag and ignore its decisions.
• The Kaiser appointed the Chancellor, who had to follow his orders.
• The Reichstag was elected but had limited power, causing frustration among Germans.

Question 4

What was Wilhelm II’s foreign policy aim (Weltpolitik)?

Answer 4

• Expand Germany’s empire to achieve its “place in the sun”.
• Acquire more colonies, especially in Africa, and build a strong navy.
• Gain respect as a world power from other European nations.

Question 5

Why was militarism important to Germany after 1871?

Answer 5

• Germany was surrounded by powerful neighbours (France, Russia, and Britain).
• A strong military would deter invasions and protect the new nation.
• It united the German states through patriotism.

Question 6

How did Prussian influence shape Germany’s military and politics?

Answer 6

• The Prussian Army became the core of the German military.
• The Junkers, wealthy Prussian landowners, dominated German politics through the Bundesrat.

Question 7

How did Germany industrialise after unification?

Answer 7

• By 1914, Germany became one of Europe’s most industrialised nations.
• Dominated industries like heavy machinery, chemicals, and electrical goods.
• Over 60% of Germans lived in cities by 1910, leading to overcrowding and poor living conditions.

Question 8

What was the social impact of industrialisation?

Answer 8

• The working class became the largest social group, living in poverty.
• The middle class profited from industrial growth.
• Poor conditions led to the rise of socialism.

Question 9

Why did socialism grow in pre-war Germany?

Answer 9

• Poor working conditions, low wages, and unemployment pushed workers to support the SPD (Social Democratic Party).
• By 1912, the SPD was the largest party in the Reichstag, with 1 in 3 Germans voting for it.

Question 10

How did the government respond to socialism?

Answer 10

• Introduced social reforms:
• Old-age pensions (1889).
• Minimum wage laws (1891).
• Health insurance (1903).
• However, the Kaiser opposed socialism and limited the SPD’s influence.

Question 11

What were the Navy Laws, and why were they introduced?

Answer 11

• Passed between 1898 and 1912 to expand the German navy.
• Reasons included:
  Weltpolitik: Germany needed a strong navy to build an empire.
• The Kaiser admired the British Royal Navy.
• Admiral von Tirpitz and the Navy League campaigned for naval expansion.

Question 12

What steps are outlined in the flowchart of the Navy Laws?

Answer 12

• 1898: The first Navy Law was passed to expand the German fleet.
• 1900: The second Navy Law aimed to double the size of the navy.
• By 1912, Germany had built one of the largest navies in the world.

Question 13

What was the impact of the Navy Laws?

Answer 13

• Germany built the second-largest navy by 1914.
• Increased patriotism but caused national debt.
• Triggered a naval arms race with Britain.

Question 14

What should students focus on for the topic of Kaiser Wilhelm II?

Answer 14

• His control over government and the Reichstag.
• His ambition to achieve Weltpolitik and expand Germany’s empire.
• The impact of his militarism and foreign policy on European tensions.

Question 15

What industries dominated Germany’s economy by 1914?

Answer 15

• Heavy Industry: Steel and coal production led Europe.
• Chemicals: Germany produced advanced dyes and synthetic materials.
• Electrical Goods: Became a global leader in electrical equipment like telephones.

Question 16

How did industrialisation impact German society?

Answer 16

• Over 60% of Germans lived in towns and cities by 1910.
• Poor housing and working conditions fuelled socialist movements.

Question 17

What’s a useful mnemonic for remembering Germany’s industrial dominance?

Answer 17

Use HEC:

• Heavy industry.
• Electrical goods.
• Chemicals.

Question 18

What did the map of Germany before and after unification illustrate?

Answer 18

• Before 1871, Germany consisted of 25 independent states, with Prussia being the most powerful.
• The unified German Empire (1871) included Alsace-Lorraine, which was taken from France during the Franco-Prussian War.
• Austria was not part of unified Germany but remained an ally.

Question 19

Why was Prussia central to unification?

Answer 19

• Prussia had a large and experienced military.
• Its victories in wars against Denmark, Austria, and France solidified its dominance.

Question 20

What does the diagram of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s government powers reveal?

Answer 20

• The Kaiser could appoint and dismiss the Chancellor.
• He could dissolve the Reichstag at will.
• The Bundesrat (upper house) mostly consisted of Prussian members who supported the Kaiser.
• The Kaiser controlled foreign policy and the military as Commander-in-Chief.

Question 21

What does the British political cartoon about Weltpolitik depict?

Answer 21

• Shows Kaiser Wilhelm II claiming his “place in the sun” to expand Germany’s empire.
• Illustrates rivalries with Britain, as Germany sought colonies in Africa during the Scramble for Africa.

Question 22

What was the main criticism reflected in the cartoon?

Answer 22

• Britain viewed Germany’s aggressive colonial ambitions as threatening global stability.

Question 23

What social reforms are shown in the timeline?

Answer 23

• 1889: Introduction of old-age pensions.
• 1891: Minimum wage laws and restrictions on child labour.
• 1901: Creation of arbitration courts to resolve labour disputes.
• 1903: Extension of health insurance for workers.

Question 24

What was the purpose of these reforms?

Answer 24

• To reduce support for socialism and address working-class grievances.
• To ensure loyalty to the Kaiser and prevent uprisings.

Question 25

How did the Bundesrat maintain Prussian dominance in German politics?

Answer 25

• Prussia held 17 of 58 seats in the Bundesrat.
• 14 votes were needed to block legislation, giving Prussia significant control.
• The Bundesrat could overrule the Reichstag, ensuring the Kaiser’s authority.

Question 26

What does the militarism diagram highlight about Germany’s priorities?

Answer 26

• Germany’s army was central to its identity, influenced by Prussian military traditions.
• Militarism increased patriotism and unified the states under a strong military.
• The Kaiser prioritised military spending over social welfare, increasing taxes.