The Foundation Boom (1871-1890)

• Bismarck


  Introduced several economic measures to increase economic unity in Germany
• Economic measures introduced by Bismarck


  • National currency
  • Reichsbank (1876)
  • Abolished all remaining internal tariffs
• Economic measures introduced by Bismarck

  Facilitated rapid industrial growth known as the Foundation Boom
• Foundation Boom

  • Railway network doubled in size
  • Steel production increased 700% by 1890
• Boost in prosperity linked to unification


  Encouraged further support for economic nationalism
• Cultural expressions of economic nationalism

  • Spectacular building projects like Hamburg City Hall
  • Reichstag building