history germany

• How many states was Germany divided into prior to 1871?


  39 states
• Which state was the strongest in Germany before unification?

  Prussia
• Who was the Chancellor of Prussia during the unification of Germany?


  Otto Von Bismarck
• What was Otto Von Bismarck's belief regarding the unification of German states?


  He believed heavily in militarism and unifying all German states.
• Why did many German states agree to unification?

  To eliminate the threat of invasion from Russia and France.
• Why did Austria disagree with the unification of Germany?


  They feared it would impact their empire and reduce their power.
• What was the most famous war Prussia fought for territory?


  The France-Prussian War
• What territory did Prussia take from France after the France-Prussian War?


  Alsace-Lorraine
• What was the outcome of the France-Prussian War for France?


  France was left embarrassed and held a grudge against Germany.
• Who became Kaiser of Germany in 1888?


  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What was significant about Wilhelm II's family background?


  He was the grandson of Britain's Queen Victoria.
• What was Britain's status when Wilhelm II became Kaiser?


  Britain was the world's most powerful country with the largest empire.
• What did Wilhelm II aim to achieve for Germany?


  He wanted to make Germany as great as Britain.
• What process did Wilhelm II initiate to strengthen Germany's economy?

  Industrialisation
• By 1913, how did Germany's production compare to Britain's?


  Germany produced as much coal and more iron and steel than Britain.
• What industries did German companies dominate in Europe by 1913?


  Electrical goods and chemicals
• How was Wilhelm II's personality described?


  He was energetic, charming, but also impatient and rude.
• What was the consequence of Wilhelm II's impatience with ministers?


  He often sacked ministers, including Otto Von Bismarck in 1890.
• What did Wilhelm II champion as key to a successful country?


  Militarism
• What was the Kaiser’s foreign policy called?


  Weltpolitik
• What did the Kaiser believe was necessary for Germany to compete with world powers?


  Establishing and maintaining a strong army and navy.
• What did the Kaiser introduce in 1898, 1900, 1906, 1908, and 1912?


  Naval Laws to build up the size of the Navy.
• How did Britain respond to Germany's naval advancements?


  Britain became worried and strengthened their own Navy.
• What was the name of the new battleship released by Britain in 1906?


  The Dreadnought
• What did Germany do in response to the Dreadnought?


  Germany released their own version of the Dreadnought.
• What policy did the Kaiser introduce in 1913 regarding the army?

  Compulsory conscription
• What was the aim of the Kaiser regarding Germany's military?


  To build up Germany's empire and establish it as a world power.
• Who benefited from the success of German industry?


  Landowners, business and factory owners, and noble army officers.
• Why were many workers unhappy during this time?


  They faced low wages, poor working conditions, and high food prices.
• What did many workers do in response to their dissatisfaction?


  Joined trade unions and organized strikes.
• What political party did many ordinary workers vote for?

  The Social Democratic Party (SPD)
• What did the Social Democrats believe in?


  Socialism, where power and wealth should be shared equally.
• What did the Social Democrats hope to achieve with the Kaiser?


  They hoped he would share some of his power with the Reichstag.
• What fraction of Germans voted for the Social Democratic Party at this time?


  About one in three Germans
• What did some extreme socialists want to do?


  Rebel against the Kaiser's rule and start a revolution.
• What was a major problem for the government during this time?

  The rise in popularity of socialism.
• What impact did the British Navy have on Germany during WWI?


  It blocked supply ships, causing shortages of food and medicines.
• What happened in 1915 when women gathered in front of the German parliament?


  They demanded their men back from the trenches.
• What occurred in Berlin a year after the women's gathering?


  10,000 workers protested against the war and the government.
• By 1918, what was the state of Germany?


  Germany was close to collapse.