Germany an introduction Flashcards
When was the first reich?
962 — 1806
When was the second reich established and what was it called?
1871 and The German Reich
What was the structure of the second Reich?
Dominated by Prussia ( largest of states ) It was ruled over by the Prussian Kaiser.
What was the reichstag?
New government elected by universal male suffrage though it had little real power.
What did the Reichstag cause?
Tensions from 1817 - 1914 as it became the focus for opposition parties to challenge kaisers rule.
When and how had the German states been unified?
1871 - Victories against Denmark, Austria and France had unified then into one true nation. Work of Otto von Bismark.
4 Facts about Otto Von Bismark?
1) Prussian statesman
2) Engineered the unification wars
3) Chancellor of the Second German Reich 1871 - 1890
4) Pushed for Austrian exclusion from Reich and establishment of a Prussian institution of government.
In 1871 what was the plot is and monarchy like?
Most nationalists were liberals and wanted a democratic Germany.
Austria excluded
Ruled over by Prussian king ( kiaser )
Reichstag elected by universal male suffrage to represent people.
Bundestrat to represent the 25 states
What was the political system of the German Empire?
Kaiser could dismiss/summons/dissolve the Reichstag who accepted/ rejected his and govs laws. The government be could appointed/dismissed by kaiser.
What helped growth from 1871- 1914?
Economically - industrialisation led to wealthy middle class and a discontented working class.
Workers formed trade unions
Socially - rise if the SPD - social Democratic Party on the rise due to workers.
Prussian authoritarianism V Wannabe German democracy
How did WW1 start?
Austro - Hungarian Empire heir assassinated so Vienna tried to overthrow Serbia with Germanys unconditional support. Kaiser had support firm all of Germany to go to war as long as they won and no people suffered. Support remained high until winter 1916 - 1917.
4 facts about Kaiser Wilhelm II?
1) 3rd king of second Reich
2) Grandson of Queen Victoria
3) Cousin to George V of Britain’s and Nicholas II of Russia.
4) Prussian militarist who believed in divine power.
What happened in 1916 - 1918?
Food shortages and high prices.
More power for military leaders
Defeat of Russia helped but USA entry
Germany in retreat and Austro - Hungary facing imminent defeat.
4 in detailed problems 1916-1918?
1) Food shortages - 1000 calorie a day = 750 000 died.
2) Fuel shortages- Coal, power cuts
3) Civil unrest - 10 000 workers called “Down with war, Down with government”
4) Military unrest - mutinies
When did germany sign the surrender?
November 1918
