Kaiserreich: 6 political, economic and social condition by 1914 Flashcards

1
Q

what was the political condition of Germany by 1914?

A
  • new constitution 1871
  • Bismarck initially relied on national Libs for support however mark of the Chancellor’s power was his ability to disregard them later on due to support from the cons and centre
  • political support was tenuous by the 1880s
  • Bismarck experienced increasing problems with the Reichstag
  • Bismarck’s resignation in 1890 showed how vulnerable the Chancellor position was
  • Wilhelm II had 4 chancellors that each depended on his whim
  • fear of socialism
  • industrialisation increased as well as right wing pressure groups and the pursuit of weltpolitik
  • kaiser showed scant regard for democratic rule
  • 1912 SPD were biggest party
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what was the economic condition of Germany by 1914?

A
  • time of rapid and successful industrialisation with expansion in new and old industries
  • wider availability of machinery, chemical fertilisers, etc.
  • growth was uneven and some areas remained predominantly rural however the Ruhr, the Saar, Alsace Lorraine, Silesia, etc boomed
  • Germans won 1/3 of all Nobel prizes between 1909-1914
  • led the world in high tech industries such as chemicals, electronics, steel and cars
  • economic concentration - creation of large firms and cartels that controlled single industries
  • new economic giants such as Krupps, Thyssen (steel), Agfa (chemicals), Siemens, Bosch, AEG, Benz
    ultimately Germany was transformed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what was the social condition of Germany by 1914?

A
  • 40% growth in population and rapid economic growth brought significant changes
  • German workers were (mostly) better off than before - jobs plentiful, real wages rose
  • working conditions poor and overcrowding rife
  • middle classes fared well and there was dramatic expansion of white collar workers 1872 ratio of manual to white collar workers was 10.6:1 vs 1912 3.5:1 - more opportunities to advance up the social ladder
  • core elite remained the Prussian Junker aristocracy
  • culture of militarism penetrated society increasing the gap between the elite and the masses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly