Germany: Democracy and Dictatorship

• When did Kaiser Wilhelm II become Emperor of Germany?

  1888
• How did Wilhelm II's reign differ from Wilhelm I's?

  It marked a shift to less cautious diplomacy
• What was Wilhelm II's approach to government authority?

  He wanted to assert personal authority over government
• Who did Wilhelm II dismiss in 1890?

  Bismarck
• What was a consequence of Wilhelm II's decision-making style?

  It often caused instability in the government
• What did Wilhelm II believe regarding monarchy and democracy?

  He believed in the divine right of kings
• What was the role of the Kaiser in the German political system?

  The Kaiser held real power despite a constitution
• What could the Kaiser do regarding the Chancellor?

  Appoint and dismiss the Chancellor
• How did Prussian militarism influence Germany?

  It dominated military and political culture
• What role did the army play in German society?

  It was seen as the backbone of national pride
• How did military tradition affect government decisions?

  Senior army officers influenced government decisions
• What was prioritized by the German government during Wilhelm II's reign?

  Military spending and development
• What was a consequence of military dominance in governance?

  Limited progress of democracy
• What transformation did Germany undergo in the 1890s?

  Rapid industrial expansion
• By 1914, how was Germany characterized in terms of industry?

  One of the world's leading industrial nations
• What social change occurred due to industrialization?

  The working class grew rapidly
• What was a significant social issue resulting from industrial growth?

  Widening gap between rich and poor
• What did the Social Democratic Party (SPD) advocate for?

  Democratic reforms and workers' rights
• How did the government respond to the rise of socialism?

  Introduced reforms to improve living conditions
• What was the purpose of the Navy Laws?

  To expand the German navy
• What was Weltpolitik?

  A foreign policy to make Germany a global power
• What did the First Navy Law of 1898 call for?

  Construction of 19 new battleships
• What was a consequence of the Navy Laws on the economy?

  Led to higher taxes and national debt
• How did the SPD view naval expansion?

  They opposed the spending for living standards
• What political tensions arose from the Navy Laws?

  Divided conservatives and nationalists from socialists
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the German political system?

  It had limited power despite being elected
• How were members of the Reichstag elected?

  By universal male suffrage for men over 25
• What actions did Wilhelm II's government take regarding the Reichstag?

  Often ignored its demands and ruled by decree
• What social divisions existed in Germany before World War I?

  Deep social and political divisions marked society
• Who controlled the army in Germany?

  The Junker class (Prussian aristocrats)
• How did industrialization affect the middle class?

  It grew and often supported conservative parties
• What was the impact of cultural and regional differences in Germany?

  Marginalization of southern and Catholic regions
• What was the result of the ruling elite's refusal to reform?

  Growing dissatisfaction and radicalization in society
• What did the Treaty of Versailles impose on Germany?

  Severe penalties and reparations
• What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?

  The "War Guilt Clause" blaming Germany for the war
• How much reparations was Germany ordered to pay?

  132 billion gold marks
• What territories did Germany lose due to the Treaty of Versailles?

  13 percent of its territory, including Alsace-Lorraine
• What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the German military?

  Drastically reduced in size and capability
• What was the public perception of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Many saw it as a "Diktat" imposed without negotiation
• What led to the occupation of the Ruhr in 1923?

  Germany defaulted on reparation payments