The Socialists Flashcards
When was SPD formed & what was it?
1875 moderate and revolutionary socialists united to form the Social Democratic Party (or SPD). The Party’s declared aim was the overthrow of the existing order (using only legal means).
What did the SPD call for?
They called for nationalisation of banks, coal mines and industry, and for social equality.
Why did Bismark dislike socialists?
Socialism was a threat to the kind of society he intended to maintain. Socialists did preach class warfare and did talk of the dictatorship of the proletariat.
What action did Bismarck take against socialists in 1876?
1876 Bismarck tried to pass a bill preventing the publication of socialist propaganda.
What happened with the assassination attempt & when was it?
May 1878 an anarchist tried to assassinate Emperor William I. The would-be assassin had no proven association with the SPD, like many of his contemporaries, drew no clear distinction between anarchism and socialism and saw the murder attempt as part of a ‘red’ conspiracy.
What happened to the bill Bismark tried to push through after the 1st assassination attempt?
His efforts to push through a bill against socialism were defeated by National Liberal members, concerned about civil liberties.
What were the details of the 2nd assassination attempt & when was it?
A week after the first assassination attempt there was a second attempt on William’s life that resulted in the Emperor being seriously wounded.
What was the impact of the 2nd assassination attempt on the bill Bismark was trying to push through?
Bismarck criticised the National Liberals for failing to pass the anti-socialist bill that might have protected the Emperor, and dissolved the Reichstag.
The electorate, deeply shocked by the murder attempts, blamed the SPD and the National Liberals. The SPD vote fell from 493,000 in 1877 to 312,000 while the National Liberals lost 130,000 votes and 29 seats.
What was Bismarks bill he had pushed through?
An anti-socialist bill, supported by Conservatives and most National Liberals, was passed in October 1878:
• Socialist organisations, including trade unions, were banned.
• Socialist meetings were to be broken up.
• Socialist publications were outlawed.
What were the implications of Bismarks laws 1878-1890
1,500 socialists were imprisoned & many emigrated. However, the Anti-Socialist Law, served to rally the faithful and fortify them in their beliefs.
The law, which was differently implemented in different German states, did not prevent SPD members from standing for election and speaking freely in both the Reichstag and state legislatures. After the dip in 1878, the SPD won increasing support. By 1890 it had over a million votes and 35 seats.
What was the basis of state socialism - what was its purpose?
Bismark hoped to wean the working classes from socialism by introducing various welfare (state socialism) measures, designed to assist German workers.
When did state socialism become law?
1883 the first of Bismarks proposals for state socialism became law.
What actions did state socialism take (name three acts)?
The Sickness Insurance Act provided medical treatment and up to thirteen weeks’ sick pay to three million low-paid workers.
A worker who was permanently disabled or sick for more than thirteen weeks was given protection by the Accident Insurance Act of 1884. This was financed wholly by the employers.
Old Age and Disability Act which gave pensions to those over 70, and disablement pensions for those who were younger.
