the kaiser/monarchy under threat

• What social problems increased in Germany leading to demands for reforms?

  Social problems increased and Germans wanted reforms
• How did the popularity of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) change from 1887 to 1903?

  It increased from 11 to 81 seats
• What was the membership of trade unions in Germany by 1914?

  About 3.3 million members
• Why did the Kaiser view the SPD and trade unions as a threat?

  He feared a socialist revolution
• What were the political views of the SPD compared to the Kaiser?

  SPD wanted to improve working class conditions
• How did the upper classes react to the growth of the working classes?

  They feared it threatened their wealth
• What challenge did the Kaiser face in governing Germany?

  Pressure to introduce socialist reforms
• What was one limited social reform introduced by the Kaiser in 1891?

  The Workers' Protection Act
• What was the focus of the Kaiser's foreign policy called 'Weltpolitik'?

  Expanding territory and boosting military size
• How did the Kaiser hope to use foreign policy to his advantage?

  To distract from socialism and gain support
• What was the purpose of the Navy Laws introduced by the government?

  To promote patriotism and expand the navy
• What was the outcome of the elections in 1907 for the SPD?

  They lost 36 seats in the Reichstag
• What was the aim of the first Navy Law passed in 1898?

  To build up Germany's navy to rival Britain
• How many battleships were included in Germany's fleet after the first Navy Law?

  19 battleships
• What did the 1900 Navy Law establish?

  A 17-year navy expansion programme
• What was the significance of the SPD's growth by 1912?

  It showed a desire for democracy in Germany
• What major event occurred towards the end of the study material?

  World War I began
• What impact did blockades have during World War I?

  They affected the availability of goods