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Part 2- Government and opposition 1871-1888

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Part 2- Government and opposition 1871-1888

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·         Kulturkampf- Persecution against the Catholics, they were labelled as reichsfeinde

·         Economic protection- The 'Central Association of German Manufacturers' was formed to campaign for the introduction of tariffs on imports in Germany.

·         The struggle against socialism- in 1875 the first socialist party was created- Social Democratic Party. In 1877, they gained 500,000 voted and won 12 seats.

·         National minorities- Bismarck adopted a mixed policy to national minorities, the only language for education, commerce and in the law-courts was German.

·         Bismarck was a very manipulative and controlling person as we see when he just used Kaiser Wilhelm I to get what he wanted and if that didn’t work he would just throw a temper tantrum until he got what he wanted.

·         Wilhelm I was very relaxed and apathetic, he wasn’t bothered about the leading side of being the Kaiser instead he enjoyed the ceremonial side of leading, for example the parades.

·         The 1871 elections were in favour of Bismarck, they gave him a sizeable majority in the Reichstag. National liberals shared Bismarck’s beliefs in German unity, he was also able to rely on the support of the free conservatives whom represented the landowners and industrialist.

·         The national liberal leader- Rudolf Van Bennigson was willing to cooperate with Bismarck. He wanted greater unification- promote economy and develop trade. The Reichstag introduced over 100 new laws which brought economic and administrative unity- some laws included: The 1876 establishment of the state bank and the new currency for the whole empire (the Mark)

·         At first Wilhelm I was lukewarm to the policy, in 1873- the Pope Pius IX wrote to the Kaiser complaining about it. The letter also added that anyone who’s baptised should obey the pope.

·         The results of the kulturkampf were: The relationship with the Papacy improved, this lead to an alliance with Austria in 1879. The Zentrum party became fully religious and helped the empire strengthen unity. Bismarck as a result was freed from the dependence on the National Liberals which enabled him to make policy changes that he wanted.

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Part 3 – Government and opposition 1888 – 1914

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Part 3 – Government and opposition 1888 – 1914

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·         Kaiser Wilhelm IIs’ reign, he was petty, narcissistic and imposed his own agenda on Germany.

·         Blackbourn states that:” From 1890 the central figure in German politics was the emperor” This is convincing.

·         Wilhelm employed straw doll chancellors in this period after Bismark and Caprivi got in his way and tried to dominated the political system eg. Holenhoe

·         SDP grew after anti socialist laws were withdrawn, (110 seats in 1912) Zentrum stabilised (106, 1890 – 91, 1912), Conservatives support fell as Junker influence was challenged (100, 1893 – 57, 1912)

·         Wilhelms closest advisors had greater influence than the chancellors did, Zu Eulenberg and Baron von Holstein

·         Wilhelm tried to replicate great naval nations such as Britain, who he had always been jealous of

·         Pressure groups became more prominent such as the Navy League with 500,000 members, the Agrarian league with 330,000 members and the Army league with about 300,000 members

·         Bulow was the first chancellor Wilhelm really trusted and despite being groomed for the role, he could make changes such as introducing new rules for industrial disputes

·         The Daily Telegraph 1908 interview damaged Wilhelms reputation whilst worsening relations with the UK, meaning he needed a code of conduct to abide by

·         The Zabern affair and excessive use of the military intervention showed his disregard for public opinion as there was an outcry from the Reichstag and the general public

·         On the left wing the SPD grew to the biggest socialist party in Europe

·         The centre and Zentrum were on a quiet quest to protect the church

·         The right wing supported the Kaisers policies and the German conservatives were the largest right wing party by this point

·         The Kaiser was disabled and had a deformed arm but he tried to hide it in order not to show weakness

·         His grandmother was Queen Victoria but he rejected her British ideologies

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Political authority 1914-1919

Summary of German politics in 1914-1916

Dissolution of any democratic process

Kaiser Wilhelm I in absolute power with the German High command eventually appointed (1916).

Militarism sweeps through the country as the first world war rages on and Germany are put on the defensive.

Bundersrat dissolved

Chancellors power was next to none

The Reichstag agreed to a period without political influence so the war could be correctly funded. This was known as the patriotic movement. This also included the unions agreeing to not disrupt production during war time. Thus all power given to the Kaiser and the military.

Socialist movements are growing as war weariness begins to tire the German people.

World War 1's impact on Germany

To many at the time, this war was said to be quick and end before the winter. The could not have been more wrong. The German high command after winning 3 small skirmish wars against , Austro-Hungry, Denmark and even France, believed that the tactics used back then were still relevant. In many ways so did the French but not Germanys greatest threat, the British.

The Germans in acted a plan called the "Schlieffen plan". This involved a frontal assault on the French controlled, Alsace-Lorraine of at least 20 divisions to hit the French defences head on. However whilst the French focus on the massive assault another 10 divisions will approach through Belgium in order to encircle the French forcing a surrender and ending the war. This would have given the Germans a hotly disputed area Alsace-Lorraine which was rich with natural resources.

However the Germans did not expect that violating Belgium's neutrality and using it as a staging area, would antagonize the British to delacre war on them. This would be to the determent as the British expeditionary force (or Britain's main fighting force) was 200,000 professional soldiers strong. This means that professional soldiers met the German conscripts and managed to halt their massive offensive until the Germans were finally able to hold their ground again almost being pushed completely out of France. This resulted in the creation of the entrenched western front of world war 1 which is often referred to when people think of world war 1.

This therefore created the war of attrition that resulted in nothing but millions of deaths. Despite this in 1915 the 'buzz' of patriotism was still very relevant. German propaganda spoke about the opportunities offered by victory. A.K.A "Siegfriede".

August 1916

Hindenburg appointed as chief of staff for the Army.

Allowing him more power than the chancellor

"Turnip Winter"- only crop that grew in an already starving Germany in the winter of 1916 was the turnip which claimed many deaths to starvation.

July 1917

'Peace resolution'- Matthias Erzberger (Zentrum party)

1918

The great 'Spring offensive' which saw more progress made in one week than ever happened in four years until the allies stopped the massive attack before it reached Amiens which was a major railway hub for the allies and was vital to their war effort. This led to the eventual surrender of Germany.

1918 revolution between the extreme left and the socialist government that had seen the Kaiser resign and the power pushed onto the Reichstag therefore making it the center of power. Many army corps refusing to fight.

The Weimar constitution is 'born'

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By Megan.

Elites, (Junkers, Krupp's, Thyssens and Hugenbergs which were industries), Industrial managers, white collar workers and the urban working class.

Position of women: Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine 1894 (campaigned for women’s rights) and the SPD (campaigned for women’s vote).

Elitism and Militarism: Junkers, military officers and factory owners. 1914 (4 million men in army)

Condition of the working people: real wages increased by 25% between 1895-1913.

Social mobility, new class divisions occurred for example the middle class was spilt into the upper middle class of industrial workers, industry experts and educational professors and the lower middle class of white collar workers such as small business owners.

2nd industrial revolution (1890) improved living standards and prices of goods fell.

By 1914 women in lower middle ranks began to work in offices, working class and peasant women were more likely to do manual labour.

The second industrial revolution allowed women to progress to factory work.

Women had no vote (the SPD tried and failed to campaign for it) they also had few legal rights.

Elites focused on building up new Germany and achieving world power “Weltpolitik”

Military rank more highly respected than civilian titles.

State socialism brought about medical insurance 1883, accident insurance 1884, and old age pensions 1889.

1890 recognition of trade unions, sit in on tribunals and wage disputes.

1907 industrial Rhineland and Westphalia employed over 1 million German workers.

Most reforms benefit the middle and upper class, this resulted in 200,000 trade union workers on strike between 1905-1913.

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Sam Coope
Part 7: Government and opposition 1914-1924

The post war government was formed by Frederik Ebert comprising of 3 SPD members and 3 USPD members, this was named the council of people’s commissars to appease the workers and ensure they continued to work and help in the rebuild effort.

Many civil servants, military generals, teachers and other proffesions were allowed to keep their jobs in order to maintain stability within the country (even though they held strongly anti-republic views).

Ebert made deals with many right-wing operators in order to ensure the stability of Germany. General William Groener was “employed” by Ebert to put down an attempt at an uprising from the far left whilst Hugo Stinnes developed business in the Rhur to maintain employment and German economic worth.

These deals with the right wing lost Ebert the support of his USPD compatriots in the Reichstag and in December 1918 the Cabinet broke up with the 3 USPD members leaving to form the militant Spartacist groups under the KPD.

Before the January 1919 elections could take place, the Spartacists attempted a coup due to too feeling horribly betrayed by the SPD forces in control of the government. This lead Ebert to turn to general Hoske to use the Freikorps, right wing fighters who hated the communists to put down the revolt.

After the initial rebellion of Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg had been put down there was still significant resistance from the far left, the KPD went so far as to boycott the 1919 January elections still feeling the Weimar government were to ready to compromise with the right.

The right wing then staged their attempt at a coup, in February of 1920 the Kapp putsch was

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By Beth and Caroline

The advent of the breakout of War in 1914 brought a spirit of unity (Spirit of 1914), however this was short lived.

The emergence of the Welfare State, which aimed to redistribute wealth and provide for the working classes.

The wage gap between men and women narrowed.

Hyperinflation Crisis 1923, due to the overprinting of money to pay off war reparations. Had both a positive and negative effect on society, debts could be paid off quickly although fixed savings became worthless.

The polarisation of politics caused unrest during the Weimar Republic (Red Rising in the Ruhr 1920 & Munich Putsch 1923)

Described as the Golden Age due to Stresemann’s contribution as Foreign Minister.

1919-1923 saw the progression in Women’s rights. The Weimar Republic allowed women over 20 to vote and employment rose. Despite this the traditional role of women in the family was prominent and women faced political discrimination.

Jews had professional jobs such a lawyers and judges which was envied by the German Public.

Jews were blamed by the far right for the loss of WW1.

The Aristocracy maintained it’s identity with upholding anti-modernist views but lost their titles and legal privileges and began supporting the extreme right.

The Military lost it’s influence after the War, due to it’s overpowering dominance during the Kaiser Reich.

The Military budget was increased by 75% between 1924 and 1928.

1924-29 saw a period of greater domestic social stability, the ownership of radios, cars and telephones increased.

Americanisation had a dramatic impact on dress and social behaviour, especially among young people.

There was cultural explosion within Germany due to removal of censorship which was presented in artwork such as Grosz & Dix.

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Part 4- economic developments 1871-1929- Leah

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Part 4- economic developments 1871-1929- Leah

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Part 4

Until 1873 the economy grew at an annual rate of 5%.

1890- second stage industry

35% still employed in agriculture- some employed in agriculture migrated to the industrial towns for the winter as the crop yield was inconsistent.

Trade and wealth- Germany traded with Europe, Asia, Africa and America, selling: chemicals, coal, textiles, metal goods and machinery which in turn payed for raw materials and food.

1870’s German economy appeared strong enough to withstand foreign competition.

Between 1873-1896 there was a world recession, known as the ‘long depression’ (lasting 23 years!) Germany wasn’t effected anywhere near as bad as the Britain and the US were.

Huge investments in railways kept the economy buoyant.

Germany’s first stage industry, known as ‘old industries’ was concerned with textiles, coal, iron and steel.

Germany’s second stage industrial revolution was interested in ‘new industries’ electricals, chemicals, machinery, motor cars and still textile.

By 1914 agriculture had fallen to 25% of the GNP (value and economic activity of all products and services made in a nation) industry accounted for 45% and commercial and services sector at 30%.

Growth in German population was due to many factors such as the: shift towards the younger population, increased labour market (meaning workers), availability of raw materials, Germany’s geographical advantages- rivers, flat plains, railways et.al-, bank developments, German banking system, industries popping up.

Electrical industry grew rapidly in the Rhineland.

Junkers in the east provided rye (beer) and beet.

Smaller peasant’s holdings in Germany produced cereals, fodder crops, fruit, veg, wine and livestock’s as well as dairy products.

4 million acres of land were used to increase yields this was to help feed the constant growing population in Germany.

German’s industrial developments were mainly due to and led by Wilhelm II’s desire for prestige, glory and for Weltpolitik (political domination.)

Summary:
Before 1873 the economy grew at an annual rate of 5%. The first and second stage industry (1890) flooded into Germany, the first stage industry was interested in the ‘old industries’, such as coal, textiles, iron and steel whereas the second stage focused on ‘new industries’ like electricals, chemicals, machinery, motor cars and textile. German economy was prosperous, by 1870’s it appeared strong enough to oppose foreign competition, even being able to withstand a worldwide ‘long depression’ between 1873-1896. The economy thrived, trading, chemicals, coal, textiles, metal goods and machinery with Asia, Africa, America and Europe and in turn payed for raw materials and food for the growing population.

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Part 8 – Government an opposition 1924-1929 – Ellie and Molly

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Part 8 – Government an opposition 1924-1929 – Ellie and Molly

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·         Ruhr invasion + resistance – contributed to crash of Mark; 1923 end, hyperinflation peaked

·         Stresemann chancellor August 1923 – formed coalition of the DVP to Zentrum and SPD parties

·         Resigned in November 1923, became foreign minister – ‘Political cement’ of Weimar

·         Appointment of Schacht – introduced Rentanmark, brought inflation down

·         Young plan 1929 – reduced German reperations by 75% plan opposed by DNVP, referendum lost by 14% - gave Hitler and opportunity

·         Two elections in 1924 – increase from 61% republican vote to 67.5% between elections

·         Reichbanner – Paramilitary group of more liberal parties who defended parliamentary democracy

·         Ebert died Feb 1925, Hindenburg became second president of Weimar (reluctantly)

·         1923-1928 increased dominance from the right. Zentrum weakened, SPD didn’t hold gvmt

·         ‘Grand coalition’ in 1928 brought together SPD, Zentrum, DVP, and DDP – constand disagreements

·         Traditional elites retained power, no reform of right-inclined governmental bodies – democracy scarcely greater after 1924 than ever before

·         Extremist parties no influence (NSDAP only 2.6% vote 1928)

·         Grand coalition fell 1930 due to the Wall Street Crash of 1929

·         4 key figures in NSDAP 1924 onwards – Hitler, Goebbles, Himler, and Strasser

·         Fuhrerprinzie – fundamental of politiocal authority, Fuhrer’s word is above all written law

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Part 9 Economic Developments:Jess and Olivia 

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Part 9 Economic Developments:Jess and Olivia 

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·         Treaty of Versailles; Germany had to give £6.6 billion in reparations

·         Germany had to print off more money, led to hyper inflation

·         Germany fell behind on paying reparations so France invaded the Ruhr

·         German workers went on strike in 1923 (passive resistance)

·         German workers continued to get paid (sometimes multiple times a day)

·         Dawes plan (1924): US loan also increased the amount of time German had to pay reparations

·         Young plan (1929): Reduced the total amount of reparations Germany had to pay, by 75%, only had to pay 1/3 of the payment each year and the other 2/3 if they could afford to do so.

·         Germany were trying to become self-sufficient by creating substitute materials

·         Stresemann became chancellor in 1923

·         A new currency was introduced to try and deal with hyperinflation (Rentenmark 1923)

·         Germany only had 1.8% unemployment

·         Monthly rate of inflation passed 50%

·         Price of goods 14 times the price in 1913

·         Golden years: whilst Stresemann was chancellor inflation improved, fell below 0 in 1926, and industry grew

·         ‘turnip winter’ of 1916 to 1917 due to the failure of potato crops in 1916

The Treaty of Versailles said Germany had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations , which they couldn't afford. This led to Hyperinflation and the invasion of the Ruhr. To try and help Streseman introduced the Dawes plan (1924) and the Young plan (1929) along with the introduction of a new currency. The 'golden years' of the 1920's saw inflation fall and industry grow.