The Key Debate: Was Germany an entrenched authoritarian state? Flashcards
How was the Kaiser not an absolute monarchy?
The Kaiser had to work within the constitutional framework. German citizens enjoyed Rechtsstaat: freedom of expression. All men of universal suffrage over 25 could vote.
The reichstag could not be ignored as it had the power to endorse or reject legislation insisted by the government. Reichstag elections increased increased substantially to 85% in 1912.
The Kaiser’s personal influence?
From 1890 to 1914 his personal influence enabled him to set the tenor of government povlicy.
Between 1897 and 1908 his influence was most marked, this represented the high point of the Kaiser’s personal rule and coincided with the years of supremacy of Bulow.
How was the constitution weakened?
The Kaiser retained the power to appoint the Chancellor and the government ministers, the chancellor was thus not accountable to the reichstag.
The federal structure was unfair and undemocratic; Prussia covered two thirds of Germany.
Prussia continued to block any change in the Bundesrat.
Political parties not willing to bring about change?
All the parties distanced themselves from the social democrats. The conservatives saw themselves as anathema, but even the more moderate middle class parties were scared of their growing influence.
What were the SPDs growing influences?
There were lots of parties and each one tended to act more like an interest group rather than acting for the common good.
The reputation of the Kaiser was still deeply ingrained in the minds of many reichstag deputies.
