Socialism as a threat Flashcards
Why does socialism being international make it a threat?
What does Carr say?
Socialism was an international movement. This made them un-German as far as Bismarck was concerned. As Carr notes “Socialism like Catholicism had allegiances beyond the Nation states which Bismarck could neither understand or tolerate.
What was trade unionism a threat to if left unchecked?
Trade unionism was a threat to industry and a foretaste of the danger of collective action if the movement remained unchecked.
Why was socialism a threat to the class system?
Socialism’s emphasis on class conflict and the re-distribution of wealth presented a threat to the social order. As Bismarck was a traditional, conservative (small ‘c’) and from the Junker elite, this would never be well received.
When did the movement gain more supported and what emerged as a result of this?
The movement gained more supporters during the slump of 1873-76. At this point the 2 socialist organizations merged.
What newspapers were growing in circulation?
Socialist newspapers were growing in circulation.
What had the socialists supported and what had they been against?
The socialists had supported the Paris Commune (March-May 1871) and opposed the seizure of Alsace-Lorraine during the Franco-Prussian war.
What is the difference between socialism and communism?
Socialism was just economical where as communism is political and economical.
When was the Social Democratic Party founded?
1875
What were the 8 aims of the SDP?
Universal, legislation, education, progressive, right, reduction, children, protective.
- Universal, equal and direct suffrage with secret, obligatory voting by all citizens at all elections.
- Legislation by the people.
- Universal, equal and compulsory state education.
- A progressive income to replace indirect taxation.
- The right to form trade unions.
- a reduction in the working day.
- The abolition of child labour.
- Protective laws for the life and health of the workers.
Why were the Anti-Socialist laws (October 1878) brought about?
Because there were two attempts on the Kaiser’s life from people who were empathetic towards the socialist cause.
In May 1878, a plumber a formed socialist Max Hodel, tried to assassinate the Kaiser. A month later there was another attack by Dr Karl Nobling, an unemployed academic. Nobling had no connection with the SDP, but when it was reported that he had expressed sympathy for the Socialists before committing suicide, Bismarck was able to rouse support for the Anti-Socialist bill.
What did the anti-socialist laws of October 1878 not do?
They didn’t actually ban the SDP as they could still take part in elections.
What did the anti socialists laws do?
Banned, meetings, publications, police, penalties
- Socialist organisations such as trade unions and cultural associations with socialist connections were banned.
- Socialist meetings were banned.
- Socialists publications (books, pamphlets, newspaper and periodicals) were banned.
- Police powers were increased, meaning the police could search houses, arrest on suspicion, processions and festive gatherings and seize the property of organisation perceived to be a dangers to the state.
- Penalties including fines, imprisonment, hard labour and exile from Germany were established.
How many times were the Anti-Socialist laws renewed and what did this mean?
What did Bismarck proposed in 1889 and what did the Reichstag do?
- Renewed four times, effectively meaning the the activities of the socialist labour movement illegal until September 1890.
- In 1889 Bismarck suggested that the Anti-Socialist law be made permanent but the Reichstag refused to pass this.
What were Bismarck’s policies against the socialists known as?
How is this name applied?
Known as the ‘stick and carrot’ approach:
- The stick: law deprive socialist organisations of the right of assembly and publication (45 out of 47 socialist newspapers were banned). Also gave the government the power to expel persons from their residence who could be described as agitator.
- The carrot: gave reforms to reduce the support of the socialists.
Why was Bismarck so alarmed by the rise of socialism?
- The socialists wanted to overthrow the existing order.
- He was also scared they were anarchists, as did many of his contemporaries, because of the assassination attempts on Wilhelm.
