Economic protection and autocracy vs democracy

• What is economic protection?

  Tariffs (tax) on imports to protect home industries, opposite of free trade
• Why did Bismarck want to allow tariffs?

  • Central Association of German Manufacturers were campaigning for tariffs in Germany as wells as peasants campaigning for tariffs against foreign grain
• What were the disadvantages of introducing tariffs according to Bismarck?

  • Economic protection is a threat to agricultural incomes, which undermines the economic protection of aristocracy
  • Germany should be able to feed itself, in case of war
• What were the disadvantages of introducing tariffs, according to Bismarck?

  • Tariffs could improve govt revenue
  • Working w/ German Conservatives - Junkers and factory owners - and the Zentrum would help battle socialism
  • Could be retaliation against Russia (from whom Germany imported wheat) after disputes over the Balkans in 1877-8 + further retaliation as Russia formally adopted protection in 1878
• Bismarck's relationship with the Reichstag?

  • Constitution offers a form of democracy + Bis expected that conservative German peasants would be loyal to the state
  • However, rise of industry, economics led to industrialised population that wanted a real democracy through elected reps
  • Bis hated taking account for anyone else's views, even Kaiser
  • Never shared power w/ other ministers and he forbid them to develop a responsible cabinet
  • Bis was forced to align himself with diff political groups but he had little patience for them, but Reichstag approval was necessary for legislation
• Bismarck moves on from the National Liberals

  • They supported him during Kulturkampf but after came clashes over Press Law, military budget, protection, anti-socialism measures
  • This brought the alliance to an end
  • 1881, Progessives gained majority in Reichstag elections and around 75% of Reichstag deputies were hostile to Bis govt, challenged measures
  • Bis had to create majorities from various groups according to the measure he wanted accepted - cause pace of legislation to slow
• How did the NL party develop in response to regular elections and Chancellor's need for majority in the Reichstag?

  • Dominant in 1871-8
  • Divided over Press Law and Army Bill 1874
  • Split over tariff reform and Anti-Socialist Law 1878-9
  • Right wing of party supported Bis, left wing broke off and went to Progressives
• How did the Zentrum develop?

  • Weakened by Kulturkampf