Germany Flashcards
What changes did Germany go through in the late 19th century?
The different German states had been rapidly
industrialising, much like their European neighbours.
Unification in 1871 and the domination of the new nation by the well-organised Prussian state ensured the process of industrialisation only increased.
What was Germany’s military like?
Germany established itself as the most powerful military force in Europe.
To what extent was there political change between 1890-1914?
Political change did not take place as quickly as industrialisation and Germany between 1890-1914 was dominated by wealthy Prussian land owners and the Kaiser, who was himself a Prussian noble.
definition: Weltpolitik
World politics- Germany’s expansion of territories in Africa and Fiji
The development of World trade and increase in naval power.
How did industrial changes affect workers?
Industrial and demographic changes led to huge social changes, especially in the growing towns and cities. However, the basic hierarchy of German society remained, even if the numbers in each group changed.
What social reforms were passed to help with working conditions?
the SPD worked to pass further social reforms that were designed to improve the working conditions of industrial workers, such as:
1891 - the Social Law banned Sunday working and the employment of children under 13.
1900 - the length of time accident insurance could be claimed for was increased.
1901 - industrial
arbitration
courts were introduced to settle disputes between workers and employers.
1903 - health insurance was extended and further restrictions were placed on child labour.
What domestic problems were caused by Weltpolitik and naval expansion:
The government’s majority in the Reichstag did not last and the government found it difficult to reform the Tariff Law in 1902.
The German government’s budget went into deficit
as it spent more and more money on the army, the navy and its new colonies. The
national debt grew to 490 billion marks by 1913.
defintion: chancellor
In charge of the government and had authority over the Bundesrat.
definition: bundesrat
Federal Council made up of 58 representatives from the 25 states. Introduced laws to the Bundestag and power to approve them.
definition: bundestag
Federal parliament made up of 397 deputies. Voted on laws introduced by the Bundesrat.
Why did politics change in Germany and what was it replaced with? Was it stable?
Defeat after the First World War led to the collapse of the old Prussian militaristic Germany and saw the rise of an open and
representative democracy. The political and economic crises of the 1920s and 1930s ensured that this new government was always one disaster away from complete collapse.
What system did the Weimar Government operate with and who could vote?
Germany began a bold experiment with
representative democracy. All adult Germans (women included this time) were able to vote and the system of proportional representation meant a wide range of views were given voice in Parliament. There was also an elected President.
What were the Weimar government known as and why did that cause people to dislike them?
The November Criminals and they were disliked as the signed the ToV
What voting system did the Weimar government use and who could vote?
Proportional representation meant a wide range of views were given voice in Parliament. There was also an elected President.
Every adult (including Women) could vote.
How did the Wall Street Crash affect Germany?
Germany suffered more than any other nation as a result of the recall of US loans, which caused its economy to collapse. Unemployment rocketed, poverty soared and Germans became desperate.
