Germany & Growth of democracy

• When did the German-speaking states unite to form Germany?

  1871
• Who became the Kaiser of Germany?

  The king of Prussia
• What was the role of the Kaiser in the German Empire?

  Head of State and appointed the Chancellor
• What does hereditary mean?

  Passed from parent to child
• What was the army's relationship with the Kaiser?

  Swore an oath of allegiance to the Kaiser
• How did the army's composition influence its political role?

  Officers were from upper classes and conservative
• How often did the army depend on the Reichstag for funding?

  Every five years
• What power did the Kaiser have over the Reichstag?

  Power to dissolve the Reichstag
• Who was responsible for proposing laws in the German Empire?

  The Chancellor led the Bundesrat
• What was the composition of the Bundesrat?

  Representatives from 25 state governments
• What was the role of the Reichstag?

  Passed, amended, or rejected laws
• How were members of the Reichstag elected?

  By universal male suffrage
• What was the impact of Prussian militarism on the army?

  Belief in strong armed forces
• How did Prussian militarism influence the German army?

  It became the basis for the German army
• What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's view on ruling Germany?

  He wanted a hands-on role
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm II become Kaiser?

  1888
• What was one of Wilhelm II's first actions as Kaiser?

  To dismiss Chancellor Bismarck
• Who were the Chancellors under Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  Caprivi, Hohenlohe, Bulow, Bethmann Hollweg
• What was Wilhelm II's belief about his destiny?

  He believed it was to rule
• How did the growth of parliamentary democracy affect Wilhelm II's power?

  It made it difficult to pass legislation
• What was the SPD's stance towards the Kaiser?

  They frequently voted against his legislation
• What was a significant social issue caused by industrialisation?

  Poor living and working conditions
• What was the SPD's goal?

  To promote socialist policies and workers' rights
• How did the Navy Laws impact Germany's domestic situation?

  Created conflict between the Kaiser and army leaders
• What was one reason for the Navy Laws?

  To rival the Royal Navy of Britain
• What was the role of the Navy League?

  To popularise the navy and naval expansion
• How did the SPD view the Navy Laws?

  They were very opposed due to expense
• What social problems arose from industrialisation?

  Conflict between workers and poor living conditions
• What was the impact of industrialisation on the working class?

  Greater interest in politics
• What were the main features of the German Empire's government structure?

  • Kaiser as Head of State
  • Chancellor appointed by the Kaiser
  • Bundesrat representing state governments
  • Reichstag elected by universal male suffrage
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of Kaiser Wilhelm II's rule?

  Strengths:

  • Strong belief in militarism
  • Active role in governance

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Conflicts with the Reichstag
  • Dependence on army leaders for advice
• What were the social reforms introduced during Wilhelm II's reign?

  • Banning child labor under 13
  • Limiting women's work hours
  • Improving old age pensions and welfare provisions
  • Establishing compulsory industrial courts
• How did industrialisation affect the social structure in Germany?

  • Created wealth but increased inequality
  • Led to dissatisfaction among workers
  • Caused rapid urbanisation and poor living conditions
• What was the significance of the Navy Laws in Germany?

  • Expanded the German navy significantly
  • Increased tensions with other countries
  • Created domestic conflict over military spending
• What was one of the Kaiser's difficulties in ruling Germany by 1918?

  Needed Reichstag's approval for military spending
• Why were the Navy Laws opposed by many in society?

  They required huge sums of money to enact
• How did the Navy Laws create conflict between the Kaiser and army leaders?

  Army leaders felt navy growth harmed the army
• What were the social problems caused by industrialisation in Germany?

  • Poor living and working conditions
  • Conflicts between workers due to immigration
  • Increased political interest among working classes
• What political party did socialists form during the Kaiser's reign?

  Social Democratic Party (SPD)
• Why did the Kaiser fear socialism?

  It threatened the existing social and political system