The slow decline of the landowning elite and peasantry

Question 1

Developments for the land owning elite 1871-1918

How did the Prussian elite dominate Germany?

Answer 1

• The junkers ahd been leaders of the prussian goverment and army that had united Germany and they enjoyed domiant social political and administraive elements of this new nation.
• It was ruled by the Prussian dynasty and was shped by traditions of the Prussian elite.
• The constituion ensured the purssian elite could veto any attempts of constitutional change and the chancellor who was appointed from the Prussian elite did not have to consult with parliament when makng decisions
• Prussian wealth was based on massive land holdings and thus relied on agricultral production, something that industrialsition had undermined. This had been easier in a agragrain based economy as much of the peasantry worked on junker ownded land thus ensuring the allegience of the peasants to the elite who they relied on for survival.

Question 2

Developments of the landowning elite 1871-1918

How were the Junkers undermined following the unifcation of Germany?

Answer 2

-As peasantry declinded rapidly so did thye support for political partys that represnted the junkers. If the economic basis for the junkers declidnded this could lead to a decline in their strebngth as the german elite and collaspe of their political power in germany