Problems for Kaiser Wilhelm (1888-1918) Flashcards
1
Q
Name 3 problems for Kaiser Wilhelm
A
- Rise of socialism
- Urbanisation
- World War One
2
Q
What was the Bundesrat?
A
- Upper classes (Junkers)
- More powerful (laws had to pass through them after Reichstag)
- Elected by Kaiser
- Didn’t meet demands of working classes
3
Q
What was the Reichstag?
A
- Voted by men over 25
- ## Less powerful than Bundesrat
4
Q
How was the Chancellor chosen?
A
Appointed by Kaiser
4
Q
How was the Chancellor appointed?
A
By the Kaiser
5
Q
Why was the rise of socialism a problem for the Kaiser?
A
He hated socialism, and believed he should rule autocratically (Divine Right of Kings). The SPD was gaining popularity because they represented the working classes
6
Q
Why was urbanisation a problem for the Kaiser?
A
It increased the urban proletariat, so more people were unhappy with cramped, dirty conditions. This meant more people gravitated towards the SPD, who focused on solving their problems.
7
Q
How did the Kaiser deal with the threat of socialism?
A
- Carrot and stick approach
- Passed the Social Law which banned Sunday working and employment of under 13s
- Used the police force to crack down on workers spreading communist ideas
- Broke up meetings using the police
8
Q
Why was World War One a problem for the Kaiser?
A
- Naval blockade caused severe food shortages, malnutrition, and starvation
- Economic strain from the war
- Government wouldn’t tax the rich
- Eventually this caused the German Revolution, and the Kaiser abdicated and fled the country
