Pre-WW1 Germany Flashcards
When was the second German Reich created? (or when was Germany unified)
1871
Why was Prussia the dominant part of the new German Reich (second German Reich)? 5 reasons
- Military strength
- Geographically 2/3 of Germany
- Biggest populations
- Richest, most industrialised part
- King of Prussia was the Kaiser
What was the Bundesrat?
A collection of representatives from all states of Germany that met with the Kaiser to consult over new laws
What was the Reichstag?
A parliament elected by all men over 25 who discussed and voted on the laws that the Kaiser and his ministers drew up
Did the Kaiser have to consult the Bundesrat and Reichstag in order to pass laws?
No, he could act without their advice, thus rendering both groups effectively powerless
When did Kaiser Wilhelm II come to power?
1888
What was Kaiser Wilhelm’s main goal when he came to power?
Industrialising Germany so it could rival Britain in greatness
What could the Reichstag do in Kaiser-led Germany?
Discuss, amend, and vote on new legislation
What could the Reichstag not do in Kaiser-led Germany?
Decide the topics they discussed (this was up to the Kaiser and his ministers)
What parts of the Reichstag supported the Kaiser’s policies and why?
The right wing parties, as they would result in them gaining more money and power
What parts of the Reichstag did not support the Kaiser’s policies and why?
The left wing parties, as they were concerned with worker’s rights and many lower-class workers were being exploited in the interest of industrialising Germany faster
By 1914, to what extent had Germany caught up with the rest of the industrialised world?
- By 1914, Germany was producing more than twice as much steel as Britain had been in 1875
- By 1914, Germany’s telephone system was more advanced than that of any other country
- By 1914, Germany was producing one third of the world’s electrical goods
- By 1914, Germany’s chemical industry was leading the world
Why did socialism grow in popularity?
- industrialism brought in new workers from the countryside
- Since they were all in the same place (i.e. factories) working long hours, it would be easier for them to organise a revolt and put the SPD in charge (who were in favour of worker’s rights)
- Due to this, The Kaiser was forced to bring in social reforms that benefited the workers so they would not be incited to revolution
Why did Germany create new navy laws?
To frighten Britain into allowing Germany to trade overseas and to gain colonies, as well as to compete with Britain should war commence
What was the First Navy Law?
It allowed for the building of 7 additional battleships on top of the 12 Germany already possessed
How did Britain react to the First Navy Law?
It did not make Germany’s navy competition for Britain’s, but was still enough to worry the British government
What was the Second Navy Law?
It doubled the size of the German Navy to 38 battleships
How did Britain react to the Second Navy Law?
They decided it was now clear that Germany was intending to rival Britain’s Navy
What happened as a result of the two navy laws?
An arms face developed between Britain and Germany, as many Germans believed Britain would not allow Germany to become a colonial empire, so they attempted to strengthen their navy, and Britain responded in a similar manner
Did the Kaiser support the expansion of the navy?
yes, enthusiastically, as he believed it would create a more powerful German Empire
who was the kaiser?
the emperor of Germany. Emperor Wilhelm II
what was prussia?
the biggest constituent part of the new german reich
who was the chancellor?
in effect the prime minister
Why was kaiser wilhelm the second not an effective leader of germany?
he dismissed Otto von bismarck in 1890
he was prone to violent rages and mood swings
he had a withered left arm and hand
he was obsessed with making germany the equal of the british empire
