Germany (Before First World War) Flashcards
(23 cards)
What years does this topic focus on?
1890-1945
What was the biggest state before the forming of Germany?
Prussia
What was Germany unified?
1871
Define militarism?
The belief that a country should have strong armed forces
What was the ‘king’ of Germany called?
Kaiser
Was there a parliament when the kaiser ruled?
Yes, it was called the Reichstag
What was the chief minister of the Reichstag called?
Chancellor
What was the needs to vote in the Reichstag?
All men over the age of 25
What could the Reichstag do under the Kaiser?
Advise him but he could do what he wanted
Who became the Kaiser in 1888?
Wilhelm became Kaiser at 29 years old
What were Kaiser Wilhelm’s desires?
To make Germany as great and power full as Britain.(Army strength and trade influence)
In what year did Germany over take Britain in iron and steel production?
1913
What started to form in German work industries during the 1913?
Trade unions
What did trade unions do?
Organised strikes in the hope that it forced the Kaiser into improving work conditions
Why did workers strike?
Because food was expensive and work conditions were poor
What main new political party formed?
Social Democratic Party (SPD)
What did the SPD believe in that scared the Kaiser?
Socialism
What is socialism?
The idea that power and wealth should be shared equally amount the people
How many Germans voted for the new SPD party?
1 in 3 voted for them
What were the two main problems for the Kaiser into 1913?
Trade unions and the Social Democratic Party (SPD)
What was the word for Germany wanting a large empire?
Weltpolitik meaning world policy
What was the saying for the Kaisers goal of having a large empire?
A place in the sun
Why did Germany put lots of time and effort into their new navy?
To protect their new empire
