1871-1890: Empire Under Bismarck Flashcards
What was Kulturkampf?
Struggle for civilisation.
An attempt to unite the Germans by victimising Catholics.
What was the legislation that caused Kulturkampf?
Adalbert Falk’s May Laws 1873
What was the impact of Kulturkampf?
Centre Party won 95 seats. Have Catholics a reason to defend beliefs.
But gave a good start to Nation as no enemies in Catholic Central Europe. Good relations.
What happened in 1873 to inspire protectionism?
The Viennese stock market collapsed. Depression across Central Europe
When was the German Central Bank and single currency established?
1876
What did Bismarck use to repeal the May Laws in 1878?
Death of Pius iX and appointment of Leo XIII. Negotiations with Vatican in order to re-establish relationship as Bis knew it would cause further divisions.
What did Bismarck use to implement anti socialist laws in 1878? What did the anti socialist laws do?
Bismarck used two attempts on the Kaisers life 1878. Laws deprived Socialist organisations the right of assembly and publication (45 of the 47 socialist newspapers banned)
What shows a shift in economics to conservatism and how does this show Prussian dominance?
Tariff Law enacted 1879. Shift from free trade (nationalist) to protectionism (conservative). Protectionism was politicised by the Junkers (Junkers were Prussian)
Why was 1878/9 the “Second Foundation of the Reich”?
Bismarck politically dumped the Nat Libs and formed alliances with conservatives and progressives. Realigns himself. Pathway to a more conservative Germany. Reform by balancing the Reichstag.
What did Bismarck implement to reduce Socialism?
1883: Compensations for ill workers
1884: Accident insurance laws
1889: OAP scheme
By 1882, Germany was the leading exponent of producing electricity, chemical compounds and synthetics. What were the stats? And why?
1,858,000 tons of iron ore
Coal production increased
Steel production up 700%
Due to Prussian Rhineland and Ruhr
When did Bismarck dismiss Falk? What did this symbolise?
- End of Kulturkampf.
Why did Bismarck resign in 1890?
Socialists dominated Reichstag with 19.7 seats compared to 16.3 of Nat Libs. Constitutional Crisis. No alliance with Socialists. Executive and legislature not working together.
Lack of support from Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What was the constitutional crisis 1890 evidence of in terms of the popularity of Nationalism?
Nationalism becoming more popular. Diversifying. Political division.
