Political Authority 1871-1914 Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the National Liberals (NL)?
A
- Mostly protestant middle class men
- Formed by those who supported Unification
- Favoured free trade
- Grew more Conservative after 1875
2
Q
When were the National Liberals formed?
A
1867
3
Q
Who were the Zentrum Party?
A
- Represented the German Catholics and Minorities
- Opposed to Bismarck
- Strong in Southern German States, e.g.: Bavaria, and also in the Rhineland
- Determined to preserve the position of the Catholic Church
- Conservative regarding the constitution and wanted more decentralisation.
- Quite liberal in its attitude to social reform
4
Q
When was the Zentrum Party formed?
A
1870
5
Q
Who were the Social Democratic Party (SPD)?
A
- Represented working classes
- Supported Trade Unions
- Supported a reduction in the power of the elites and the extension of welfare reforms.
- At its extremes wanted a total overthrow of the constitution and a republic
- Pro better conditions for the masses
6
Q
When was the Social Democratic Party formed?
A
Grouping in 1871, but the SPD was officially founded in 1875
7
Q
Who were the German Conservative Party (DKP)?
A
- Represented Protestant and Aristocratic Prussian Junker Landowners.
- The most right wing of the political groups
- Detested the Reichstag because it was elected by universal suffrage.
- Dominant in the Prussian Landtag (Land Government), elected under a three-stage system.
8
Q
When was the German Conservative Party formed?
A
Adopted name DKP in 1876
9
Q
Who were the Free Conservatives or Reichspartei (FKP)?
A
- Represented landowners, industrialists and businessmen.
- Its members were strong supporters of Bismarck.
- Its geographical base was wider than the DKP.
10
Q
When was the Free Conservatives formed?
A
Formed in 1871
11
Q
Who were the Progressives or Fortschrittspartei (DFP)
A
- Believed in a liberal, constitutional state
- Disliked centralism and militarism so was not very supportive of Bismarck.
- Its members wanted to extend the powers of the Reichstag.
12
Q
Describe the role of the Kaiser
A
- Hereditary Monarch and always King of Prussia
- Could appoint/dismiss chancellor and other ministers
- Could call/dissolve the Reichstag
- Commanded the army directly
- Controlled foreign policy, including the right to make treaties and alliances and declare war if attacked
*Gave assent to all laws (with the chancellor) - Devised policies and laws in consultation with his chosen chancellor, ministers and the Bundesrat.
- Had the final say in any dispute over the constitution
13
Q
Describe the role of the Reichstag
A
- Deputies elected by males over 25 years
- Deputies had the right of free speech
*Elections held every 3 years by an indirect voting system which varied in different regions
*Gave consent to all laws e.g. annual budget
Could question, debate, agree to or reject a law proposed by the chancellor. - Could not amend a law
- Could not demand the dismissal of the chancellor or any other ministers
14
Q
Describe the role of the Government (Chancellor and Ministers)
A
- Was appointed and dismissed by the Kaiser (responsible to him not the Reichstag)
- Chancellor (and Kaiser) gave assent to all laws
- Decided policy outlines with the Kaiser/Bundesrat
15
Q
Describe the role of the Bundesrat
A
- 58 representatives from the 25 state governments in prooportion to state size
* Prussia had 17 members - Presided over by the Chancellor
*Could initiate legislation - Decisions decided by majority vote except for any proposal to alter the constitution, which needed a majority of 14.
- Had to approve new laws
- Could veto all legislation except a budget approved by the Reichstag
- Had to give approval to the Kaiser for a declaration of war
