The Growth of Democracy

• What happened in 1871?

  When the separate German states unified to become one country - Germany
• Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  The German emperor who came to power in 1888. Came from the largest German state - Prussia.
• Prussian Militarism


  The idea that a country should have strong armed forces. As a Prussian, the Kaiser built up the size and strength of the army.
• Woltpolitik

  'World Policy' The Kaiser wanted Germany to be a world power with an empire that could rival Britain's.
• Naval Laws


  a series of laws passed between 1898 and 1912 to build the German navy which led to increased taxation and borrowing leaving Germany in debt.
• The Kaiser's Role in Government


  In overall charge so could ignore government advice and make his own decisions. Made all military and foreign policy decisions and appointed ministers.
• Chancellor


  Chief minister. Advised the Kaiser along with other ministers.
• Bundersrat


  Made up of representatives from each of the states that were unified to make Germany one country in 1871. Had more power that the Reichstag when voting on laws.
• Reichstag


  The German parliament was elected by all men over 25 so was democratic. Could not propose laws but could vote on laws proposed by ministers.
• Industrialisation


  By 1914 Germany had transformed from a mostly agricultural society to one based upon factories and machines.
• Socialism


  System of government which supports democracy and greater government involvement in the economy and society.
• Growth in Socialism


  Before the war many German workers joined trade unions and organised strikes hoping to force the government to improve pay and working conditions
• SPD


  The Social Democratic Party was a political party formed in the 1880s. They believed power and wealth should be shared equally among the people. 1 in 3 Germans voted for them before the war
• Communists


  Extreme socialists who believed that Germany should be governed by workers and wanted a revolution to overthrow the Kaiser