First + second Reich

• What was the First Reich?

  A loose confederation of German states
• Who ruled the First Reich?

  The Holy Roman Emperor
• What was the Second Reich also known as?

  The German Reich
• When was the Second Reich established?

  In 1871
• How did the Second Reich come to be formed?

  Prussia united most German states
• What was the goal of German nationalists during the Second Reich?

  To create a united German nation-state
• What methods were used to achieve German unification?

  Through wars against Denmark, Austria, and France
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Second Reich?

  It was the parliament with limited power
• Who were the three Kaisers of the Second Reich?

  Wilhelm I, Frederick, Wilhelm II
• What powers did the Kaiser have in the Second Reich?

  Controlled foreign policy and armed forces
• Who appointed the Chancellor in the Second Reich?

  The Kaiser appointed and dismissed the Chancellor
• What was the Reichsrat's function?

  It had veto power on legislation
• How were members of the Reichstag elected?

  By universal suffrage for men over 25
• What was the political landscape of the Second Reich?

  Included Conservatives, National Liberals, SPD, and others
• Who was Hindenburg?

  An aristocratic landowner and soldier
• What was Hindenburg known for during WW1?

  Defeating the Russian army at Tannenberg
• What position did Hindenburg hold in 1916?

  Chief of the general staff
• How did most Germans view the Kaiser’s declaration of war?

  As a response to 'encirclement' by Allies
• Who were the military leaders during WW1?

  Hindenburg and Ludendorff
• What did right-wing nationalists blame for Germany's defeat?

  Democratic politicians
• What did right-wing nationalists want after the war?

  To overthrow the Weimar Republic
• How were left-wing parties divided after the war?

  Between supporting democracy and wanting revolution
• What was Ludendorff's role in the war?

  Key in victories against Russia
• What did Ludendorff do in 1916?

  Overthrew the Chancellor with Hindenburg
• What committee did Ludendorff join?

  The military committee ruling until war's end
• What are the key features of the Second Reich's government structure?

  • Kaiser: hereditary monarch with significant powers
  • Chancellor: appointed by Kaiser, proposed laws
  • Reichsrat: assembly with veto power
  • Reichstag: elected members, limited power
• What were the political parties in the Second Reich?

  • Conservatives
  • National Liberals
  • Progressives
  • SPD (Social Democratic Party)
  • Z (Centre Party)
• What were the social and political tensions in Germany during WW1?

  • Right-wing nationalists blamed democratic politicians
  • Left-wing parties divided on supporting democracy or revolution
  • Desire for more authoritarian government among nationalists
• Right-wing nationalists


  Individuals promoting conservative, nationalistic, and authoritarian ideologies.
• Left-wing parties


  Political groups advocating for socialism, communism, and democracy.
• Authoritarian government


  A regime controlled by a single rulership, often undemocratic and intolerant of opposition.
• Social Democrats


  Political party divided on supporting democracy or revolution, with some members favoring continued support for the war effort and others calling for revolution and overthrow of the government.
• Communists


  Political party advocating for immediate revolution and overthrow of the capitalist system, seeing the war as an opportunity to spread Marxist ideologies and create a classless society.
• Patriotism


  Strong sense of national pride and loyalty, often exploited by right-wing nationalists to justify increased government control and militarization.
• Inflation


  Rapid increase in the general price level of goods and services, causing economic hardship and reducing purchasing power.
• Weimar Republic


  A democratic government established in Germany after WW1, characterized by instability and paved the way for the rise of the Nazi Party.
• Nazi Party


  A political party in Germany that rose to power in the 1920s and 1930s, led by Adolf Hitler and characterized by authoritarian rule and totalitarian policies.