Economic and political developments in the 2nd Reich

Question 1

On average how much was the German economy expanding between 1890 and 1914?

Answer 1

4.5% a year

Question 2

What type of economic production doubled between the years 1890 and 1914?

Answer 2

Coal and Iron production

Question 3

By 1900 German steel production was exceeding that of which county?

Answer 3

Britain

Question 4

By 1913 Germany produced around what percentage of the worlds electrical goods?

Answer 4

50% of the worlds electrical goods was produced by Germany

Question 5

Germany excelled in what type of industry?

Answer 5

The New Industries that used new and innovative technologies e.g.

• chemicals
• pharmaceuticals
• electrics
• motors

Question 6

The contribution that industry made to Germanys’ Gross National Product - GNP rose from what?

Answer 6

It rose from 33% to 42%

Question 7

Name 5 economic developments between 1890- 1914

Answer 7

• Economic growth
• New industries
• An industrial economy
• Improved transport infrastructure

Question 8

What were the 3 main social consequences of the rapid economic growth?

Answer 8

• Urbanisation
• Poor standards of living
• Class tensions

Question 9

By 1910 what percent of the population lived in urban areas?

Answer 9

60%

the highest rate in Europe

Question 10

How many inhabitants did Berlin have by 1910?

Answer 10

Over 2 million

Question 11

Name two negative consequences of the large population growth in Germany

Answer 11

• Homelessness

- Overcrowding

Question 12

What were the standards of living like for most working people?

Answer 12

The standards of living was poor for most working people

Question 13

Discontent about the poor standards of living and poor working conditions created a boom in membership for what? (give a statistic)

Answer 13

Trade Unions saw a boom in membership, over 3 million people were members by 1913

Question 14

How did industrialisation in Germany effect class tensions?

Answer 14

It produced heightened tensions.

• The industrial working class were sometimes in conflict with the owners of industry over pay and conditions at work.
• The junker elite were keen to conserve their dominant position in society and were concerned about the growth of socialism.
• The lower middle class (mittelstand) were often discontented as they found their living standards threatened by new industries.