Germany

• Formed 1870, from three regions who spoke the same language, spearheaded by Prussia
• The new Germany made rapid social, military, and economic progress. Much of the workforce was highly skilled, and the German people were generally well-educated and well-fed
• workers had the security of government provided sick pay
• industrial development at this time (18880 - 1910) fastest in the world
• German companies dominated Europe
• Kaiser Wilhelm II ruled Germany, with help of the Reichstag
• Wilhelm was a dictator, because he didn't allow the Reichstag much/any power
• their empire was small compared to France and Britain, but they had several areas in the far east and Africa. Kaiser really wanted 'a place in the sun'
• German businessmen, factory owners, and landowners made very rich by the success of the German industry
• however, wages and working conditions did not improve with industry and economy, which led workers to be unhappy
• several new political parties were being formed as an alternative to the kaisers rule
• stats 1914:

  • population - 65 million
  • army - 2,200,000
  • battleships - 85
  • submarines - 23
  • air force - 246 fighter planes, 11 airships
  • colonies - 10
  • pop. of colonies - 15 million
  • coal - 277 million tonnes
  • steel - 14 million tonnes