1890-1914

• Caprivi allowed the Reichstag to discuss the military budget every 5 years instead of every 7.
• Wilhelm feared that he may one day have to face a war with France. The German Chief of Staff drew up the Schlieffen Plan, which needed higher taxes for military expenditure.
• Minister for the Interior tried to develop more social security to draw support from the socialists. He extended accident and health insurance but the socialists gained the credit for this. The electorate were concerned about rising food prices due to tariffs and this caused them to increase their vote.
• 1904 - Secret Ballot

  1906 - pay for Reichstag deputies
• Bülow tried to increase taxes for the military, which was opposed by SPD and left-wing. He resorted to a tax on legacies which was opposed by the conservatives.
• Due to the national debt, conservatives and agrarian league favoured a tax on consumer goods, but socialists wanted a tax on property and inheritance.
• Hollweg allowed him to take control over foreign affairs.
• In 1912, the SPD won one third of the vote and could no longer win majorities for his policies.
• 1913, huge increase to size of army but was opposed by SPD. It was funded through tax on value of property, which was opposed by conservatives.
• During Bülow's rule, Wilhelm had peak personal rule, devising policy for himself, all legislation and all appointments. His behaviour caused disputes from the Reichstag.
• The Reichstag felt as if they wanted a particular law or policy, the government should respond.
• Following the Daily Telegraph affair, the Reichstag demanded curbs on Wilhelm's activities.
• 1890-1914 was a period of mass politics, trade union activity and popular demonstrations. During Bismarck's rule, parties were loose organisations, they now were better organised, had better campaign strategies and won more support in elections.
• From 1890, the SPD grew phenomenally particularly due to Caprivi's new course. Party conferences such as in Halle were well attended. They drew up a 'Erfurt Programme' which demanded the abolition of class rule, equal rights and progressive income tax.
• The SPD were extremely influential, there were local SPD societies, and organised festivals, rallies, holidays and produced newspapers.
• General Federation of Trade Unions was set up in 1890. The free trade unions had a membership of 2.5 million.
• The centre also became quite mixed and weren't sure how to agree on policy as they often had mixed ideas and approaches.