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History - Germany 1871-1991 > The Kaiserreich 1871-1914 - Bismarck > Flashcards

The Kaiserreich 1871-1914 - Bismarck Flashcards

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1
Q

grossdeutschland

A

This Germany would unify all German speaking people under one state, and this was promoted by the Austrian Empire and its supporter.

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2
Q

kleindeutschland

A

This Germany would only unify the northern German states and did not include Austria; this proposal was favoured by the Kingdom of Prussia.

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3
Q

Austria’s views on unification

A
  • Wants a grossdeutschland
  • Led by Emperor Franz Joseph
  • Catholic
  • Worried about invasion by Prussia
  • Gain land and power, lose little as they don’t have much power
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4
Q

Prussia’s views on unification

A
  • Northern states
  • Want Kaiser Wilhelm I to lead
  • Protestant
  • Worried about rivalry with Austria
  • Lose military power, doesn’t gain much - land, economic influence
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5
Q

Bavaria’s views on unification

A
  • All states
  • Led by
  • Catholic
  • Vulnerable to France
  • Concerned that unification will result in Prussia taking over
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6
Q

Franco-Prussian War

A

July 1870- January71
a war between France and Prussia that lasted 6 months
10 May 1871 - Treaty of Frankfurt.

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7
Q

how did the Franco-Prussian war lead to German unification?

A

Following the capture of Napoleon, the French emperor, and multiple defeats, Prussia’s win became more explicit. In the final days of the war, the German states proclaimed a union under the rule of the king of Prussia and chancellor Bismarck. The exception to the unification was Austria.

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8
Q

what happened as a result of the Franco-Prussian war?

A

Treaty of Frankfurt in May 1871. France were forced to cede Alsace and Lorraine to Germany as well as paying 5 billion in reparations.

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9
Q

what were the long term consequences of the Franco-Prussian war for Europe?

A
  • No more balance of power (like in the congress of Vienna 1815).
  • 1870-80s scramble for Africa
  • France, Germany, Austria and Russia - increase in European rivalry
  • growth of German rivalry
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10
Q

how did Germany come to be unified in 1871?

A

Two key arguments: Bismarck was an architect, Bismarck was an opportunist.

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11
Q

Bismarck was an opportunist examples (unification of Germany)

A
  • Napoleon iii made the south German states feel threatened, so they needed to ally with larger states.
  • The victories against Denmark, Austria and France led to a rise in German patriotism which helped build momentum for national unity.
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12
Q

Bismarck was an architect examples (unification of Germany)

A
  • An Austrian-Prussian invasion of Schleswig-Holstein led to the end of Danish control of the provinces. Bismarck then used the crisis as an opportunity to provoke confrontation with Austria.
  • “it was he who created the conditions which rendered possible the creation of Great Germany” - Hitler
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13
Q

the Constitution

A

document that sets out how a country should be run.

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14
Q

what happened in 1848?

A

series of revolutions across Europe against absolute monarchs.

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15
Q

which group (traditionalists or liberals) won the constitution?

A

Traditionalists however Liberals won on some levels such as all men over 25 being able to vote.

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16
Q

which states had the most power in the constitution?

A

Prussia had 17 out of 58 seats allowing them to veto any proposal as 14 seats were needed. Bavaria had 6 seats. Smaller states had 1 seat. The emperor (the king of Prussia) had the most power and could dismiss and appoint chancellor, dissolve the Reichstag, declare war/make peace etc. The chancellor had some power such as hire and fire state secretaries.

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17
Q

overall views of the constitution

A

neither traditionalists or liberals would be happy as it would lean too far the other way to their views.

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18
Q

trade union

A

workers protecting their rights e.g. can organise strikes

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19
Q

germany’s problem of identity

A

liberals - conscious that Bismarck’s empire was not what they desired
conservatives - remained un-reconciled to the idea of a united Germany
workers’ movement - felt unification had done little to improve their lot and that the system had been designed to prevent them achieving their goals

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20
Q

who were the National Liberals?

A

supported German unification, Protestant middle classes, Liberal but became more conservative, 1870s Bismarck’s most enthusiastic supporters in the Reichstag, supported a centralised state.

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21
Q

who were Zentrum (central party)?

A

German Catholics and minorities opposed to Bismarck, wanted to preserve the position of the Catholic church, favoured decentralisation.

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22
Q

who were the SPD?

A

working classes and worked with trade unions, supported in reduction of power in the elites, wanted better conditions for the masses.

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23
Q

who were the German Conservative Party (DKP)?

A

most right wing, detested the Reichstag because it was elected by universal suffrage, generally supported Bismarck, dominated in the Prussian Landtag (state government).

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24
Q

who were the Free Conservatives (FKP)?

A

landowners, industrialists and businessmen, strong supporters of Bismarck, approved of Bismarck’s resort to Liberalism.

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25
Q

who were the Progressives (DFP)?

A

believed in a Liberal, constitutional state, disliked centralism and militarism, not very supportive of Bismarck, wanted to extend the powers of the Reichstag.

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26
Q

what did Bismarck think of the Reichstag?

A

not highly of them, viewed them as ‘squabbling politicians’, he was prepared to work with them, he dissolved them if he didn’t get his way.

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27
Q

why was the Reichstag unable to exploit their potential power?

A

Bismarck could dissolve them and the power was shifted towards the monarchy and most Germans believed the monarchy had the most power. Even the left didn’t expect the Reichstag to exercise much power.

28
Q

in what ways did the Reichstag have political power?

A

laws had to be passed by them, they controlled budget, Bismarck had to negotiate with them.

29
Q

why was the army important in Germany?

A

essentially stayed the same as the Prussian army, independent of the Reichstag’s control, if called upon they were ready to disperse demonstrations, strikes and any attempt at revolution.

30
Q

how influential was Kaiser Wilhelm i?

A

happy to leave governing to Bismarck, relatively popular figure head for the nation

31
Q

reichsfiende

A

enemies of the empire

32
Q

volk

A

folk (ordinary people) Bismarck wanted to create a volk - the danes, poles, french and jews were not included in this

33
Q

why were the Danes in Schleswig-Holstein feared?

A

they formed their own party in the Reichstag and didn’t like being governed by Berlin

34
Q

why were the French in Alsace Lorraine feared?

A

repeatedly elected deputies who wanted independence from Germany, everyone in the area considered themselves french

35
Q

why were the Poles in East Prussia feared?

A

largest minority and if they became independent they would claim many Prussian territories

36
Q

why were the Jews throughout Germany feared?

A

middle class and they valued hardwork

37
Q

how were the Danes dealt with and what was the outcome?

A

refused them the direct vote on their future, Germanisation
outcome: some Danes refused German citizenship and were deported

38
Q

how were the French dealt with and what was the outcome?

A

pro-French citizens were asked to leave - 400,000 ended up leaving, Bismarck promoted revival of the Strasbourg university and picked governors who were conciliatory to the French
outcome: 400,000 left, Zaiburn affair

39
Q

how were the Poles dealt with and what was the outcome?

A

germanisation, religious leader was imprisoned, 34000 Poles and Jews were expelled
oucome: Poles were more defensive of their culture and joined clubs, continued to be Catholic and faced discrimination

40
Q

how were the Jews dealt with and what was the outcome?

A

Jews were blamed as scapegoats for the economic depression in 1870s, 34000 Poles and Jews were expelled, Stoeker formed an anti-sematic party (Stoeker however fell out with Bismarck and was expelled)
outcome: seen as second class citizens and met with discrimination and violence

41
Q

what was Bismarck’s background?

A

his father was a relatively wealthy junker, he didn’t get on with his mother, married Johanna von Puttkamer and had a few children

42
Q

how did Bismarck’s attitude towards German nationalism change during his career

A

late 1850s he realised that Prussia’s power could be enhanced, aiding the creation of a united Germany, in 1862 he became Chief Minister for Prussia, he has a ruthless, rough and ambitious reputation, loyal supporter of the monarchy

43
Q

what does ‘iron and blood’ mean?

A

‘Germany does not look to Prussia’s liberalism, but to its power… It is not through speeches and majority decisions that the great questions of the day are decided… It is by iron and blood’. The phrase was reversed to become ‘blood and iron’ and quickly became synonymous with Bismarck. He was determined for Prussia to be as mighty as possible.

44
Q

what does Realpolitik mean?

A

The term is used to describe the ruthless and cynical policies of politicians who are willing to use whatever means are available to them to achieve their aims.

45
Q

what does kulturkampf mean?

A

struggle for culture/civilisation. An attack on the Catholic church and it’s political influence in Germany.

46
Q

what were the causes of kulturkampf?

A

concern that Catholics were loyal to the Pope not the state, Prussia and junkers were protestant, catholicism was strong in the south, zentrum was powerful, 1864 Pope Pius IX released ‘syllabus of errors’, 1870 doctrine of papal infallibility (pope is always right), 1874 Zentrum won 91 seats in Reichstag elections - 2nd largest party

47
Q

what measures were taken against the Catholics?

A

since 1871 - hostility to catholics, articles against them
may 1872 - diplomatic relations with the Vatican broken off, expulsion of most jesuits and anti-jesuits campaign
may 1873 - May/Falk laws
1874 - registration of births, marriages and deaths in Prussia removed from the church, all states given right to restrict movement of the clergy, Catholic barrel maker tries assassinating Bismarck
1875 - Prussian gov given power to suspend state subsidies to dioceses
by 1876 - all Catholic bishops of Prussia and Polish bishops had been imprisoned or exiled, 1,400/4,600 of catholic parishes were without priests

48
Q

what were the May/Falk Laws?

A

introduced by Prussian Minister of Religion and education Adalbert Falk, Catholic education under state supervision, all priests required to retrain and prove loyalty to the state, civil marriage ceremonies made compulsory in Prussia and the rest of the empire, state financial aid to the Catholic church was ended, Prussian Catholics deprived of legal and civil rights

49
Q

was the kulturkampf successful?

A

Catholic church thrived despite the repression, persecution created martyrs and encouraged resistance, Zentrum leader Windhorst organised meetings and ‘national resistance’ tours to attack the Kulturkampf and unite Catholic voters, Zentrum had 91 seats in the Reichstag, German Protestants expressed unease with Bismarck’s attack of religious freedom

50
Q

why did Bismarck choose to end the Kulturkampf?

A

wanted closer relationship with Catholic Austria, suspected the Centre Party gave support to France seeking revenge for Alsace Lorraine, wanted a new economic policy losing him support of the national libs, wanted support of Protestant Conservatives who didn’t like anti-clericalism in Germany, felt working class support or socialism posed as a threat to German unity - catholic church declared opposition to socialism, ended after Pope Pus IX’s death, the new pope expressed wish for reconciliation, most laws were repealed except e.g. civil marriages

51
Q

what happened following the end of the kulturkampf?

A

Bismarck’s relations with the Pope were good - Pope Leo XIII encouraged support of the German empire, Zentrum gained more seats (100), support of Zentrum and Papacy aided an alliance with Austria in 1879, change of policy in 1878-9 enabled him to distance himself from the national libs, kulturkampf highlighted Bismarck’s qualities - supreme opportunist

52
Q

what is free trade?

A

Having no duties/tariffs on foreign imports and exports. This policy was supported by the National Liberals. The belief was that the low cost of imported raw materials reduced the cost of manufactured goods, which could then be sold more competitively abroad and in this way growth was encouraged.

53
Q

what is protection?

A

Introducing duties, especially on imports, thus encouraging consumers to buy home-produced goods. Could lead to retaliation by other countries so could have adverse effect on exports. By the late 1870s, most European countries (not Britain) had moved towards this.
For Bismarck, to abandon free trade would mean ending his alliance with the National Liberals.

54
Q

what were Bismarck’s key arguments for protection?

A

Germany became swamped with goods of foreign nations, German industries were exploited, prices had fallen meaning wages dropped as well

55
Q

what were the liberals views? (anti protection/pro free trade)

A

Britain was thriving, poorer people would suffer and vote for the socialists

56
Q

what were the benefits of economic protection by 1870s?

A

most European countries adopted protection by 1870s, 1878 ‘Central Association of German Manufacturers’ was formed to campaign for tariffs on imports into Germany, Bismarck was pro, protected economic position of the junkers, Germany would be able to feed itself (in case of war), tariffs would provide the gov with revenue, may help combat threat of socialism, could form retaliation against Russia

57
Q

why did Bismarck become irritated with the National Liberals?

A

they constantly demanded more power for the Reichstag.

58
Q

what did the National Liberals do in 1874?

A

forced him to allow the Reichstag to vote for the army budget every 7 years.

59
Q

what did Bismarck do in 1874?

A

showed independence by pushing through a Press Law that allowed prosecution of editors who published material that he did not approve of, undermining the Liberal principle of freedom in the press.

60
Q

what were the political results of the changes of 1878-79?

A

National Liberals split and lost influence, Bismarck was strongly supported by Conservatives, landowners and industrialists, beginning of an ‘alliance of steel and rye’, the Reich became more united, tariffs raised the cost of living for workers making them more inclined to support Socialists.

61
Q

why was Bismarck worried about socialism?

A

Paris Commune 1871 increased fear of radical socialism in Europe, General German Worker’s Association had 15,000 members committed to the redistribution of wealth and abolition of private property, SDAP 1869 set up to abolish class rule 9000 members, SPD winning seats in the Reichstag, Marx and Engels (Germans) wrote the ‘communist manifesto’ in 1848

62
Q

what did the SPDs programme created in 1875 include?

A

legislation by the people, progressive income tax, reduction in the working day, abolition of child labour, right to form trade unions, universal, equal and direct suffrage, protective laws for the life and health of workers (overall the SPD wanted to overthrow the monarchy)

63
Q

how was Bismarck able to introduce an Anti-Socialist Law in 1878?

A

he needed to prove socialists were reichsfiende, May 1878 a plumber and ex member of the SPD attempted to assassinate the Kaiser so Bismarck attempted to pass the legislation at this point but the Reichstag refused, June 1878 an unemployed academic tried to assassinate the Kaiser giving Bismarck further evidence for the law

64
Q

examples of anti-socialist laws

A
  • fines or imprisonment could be used to punish people for involvement with the SPD
  • all SPD meetings were to be dissolved and socialist publications forbidden
  • trade unions and cultural associations with links to socialism were banned
65
Q

examples of state socialism

A
  • 1889 - old age and disability insurance
  • May 1883 - medical insurance introduced
  • June 1884 - accident insurance entirely funded by employers
66
Q

how successful were the anti-socialist laws?

A
  • initial decline in SPD support but then increased (9 in 1878 to 35 in 1890)
  • many socialists emigrated
  • trade unions initially crushed but were revived within a few years
  • secret socialist conferences were held abroad
  • prominent socialists expelled from major cities
  • laws were only meant to be in operation for two years but were renewed
67
Q

how successful was state socialism?

A
  • David Lloyd George sent civil servants to Germany to study the German model
  • some workers liked it however there was opposition due to trade unions and socialism
  • some liberals opposed the scheme as it extended the role of the state and threatened individual freedom
  • SPD support continued to grow regardless
  • employers disliked the trouble and expense of having to stamp the insurance book for each worker

History - Germany 1871-1991 (3 decks)

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