Political Authority Flashcards
Info that is on the specification
Who was chancellor of Germany in 1871?
Otto von Bismarck
What part of society was Bismarck from?
Junker class (upper)
What did Bismarck often do to the Kaiser to gain power?
manipulate him to get what he wants as the Kaiser was heavily reliant on Bismarck - secured his position
What were the 2 disputes over German leadership?
1- Prussia vs. Austria
2- Prussia vs. France
How was Austria dealt with?
Bismarck forged the North German Confederation in 1867
What is the French Prussian dispute often referred to as?
Franco-Prussian War
How was the French issue dealt with?
the 1967 confederation was extended to the southern states
Who was the Kaiser in 1871?
Kaiser Wilhelm I
How was Wilhelm I determined to lead?
In an authoritarian way
What are the roles of the Kaiser?
- could dissolve the Reichstag
- commanded army directly
- controlled foreign policy
- devised policies and laws
- could declare war or martial law in an emergency situation
- Article 17
What type of state was Germany?
a federal state
What is a federal state?
a system of government that is divided between the central government and local governments
What did the liberals wish for in regards to the constitution?
a democratic constitution
What were some things the Liberals wished for?
- power of the ruler and ministers being limited
- giving the people some control over government
- an elected parliament
What was the importance of Prussia?
- controlled 2/3 of the territory of the New German Empire
- 3/5 of the population
- possessed many of the industrial and mineral resources
How did the Prussia dominate the Bundesrat?
17/58 members
What was the focus / values of Prussia?
Patriotic focus due to strong military traditions
How did Bismarck achieve German unification in 1871?
war
What were some key features of the constitution?
- autocratic features
- elected Reichstag
- universal manhood suffrage
How many parts of the government did the constitution allocate?
1- Kaiser
2- Government
3- Reichstag
4- Bundesrat
How was the chancellor chosen?
appointed and dismissed only by the Kaiser
How were members of the Reichstag chosen?
Elections held every 3 years by males over 25
What are some elements of the Reichstag?
- free speech
- gave to consent to all laws
- could not amend law
Who made up the Bundesrat?
representatives from the member states (larger the state the more representatives)
What were some of the roles of the Bundesrat?
- initiate legislation
- majority votes
- had to approve the Kaiser’s declaration of war
