germany before the first world war

how did germany become a country?

through the unification of various independent German states, led by Prussia under Otto von Bismarck after the Franco-Prussian war

what happened in 1871?

• after defeating France in the Franco-Prussian war, the German empire was formed and the German states were unified under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

• the king of Prussia, when Germany was formed and was crowned the Kaiser.

why was the unification of Germany significant?

• it made Germany a powerful nation which changed the balance of power across Europe

what was Germany like before the unification?

• before 1871, there were 25 independent German states

• each of the German states had their own laws, leaders and customs

who was the most powerful German state?

• Prussia

• they had a strong leader, under Kaiser Wilhelm

• large and experienced military

what year was Germany unified?

1871

why was Germany unified?

• some Germans feared invasion from France or Russia so a unified country, with Prussia’s military, would deter France and Russia from invading.

• Prussia’s power increased significantly, which persuaded German states to unite with Prussia

what is the name of the French territory that was taken by Prussia?

Alsace-Lorraine

which state did not agree to unification?

Austria, however they continued to be allies with the united Germany

what were the positives of the unification of Germany?

• combined workers allowed rapid industrialisation

• Prussia’s military was strong and made Germany a powerful nation in Europe

• had one clear leader in the Kaiser who had a clear vision for Germany

what issues were caused by the unification?

• France was angry with Germany from the Franco-Prussian war and were willing to fight Germany to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine

• Britain was frightened of the potential power that the unified Germany had

what is Weltpolitik?

world policy

what was the purpose of Weltpolitik?

to expand Germany’s empire and gain world respect

how did the Kaiser want to achieve Weltpolitik?

• gain more African colonies

• build up Germany’s armed forces as a large navy and army would help Germany gain more colonies

what type of government was Germany?

an autocratic dictatorship

who was the Chancellor?

• chosen by the Kaiser

• gives political advice to the Kaiser

• chairs the Bundesrat and oversees the Reichstag

what was the Bundesrat?

• had 58 representatives sent from each of the German states

• discuss and votes on laws with the Reichstag

what was the Reichstag?

• 397 representatives voted in every 5 years to form a parliament

• parties included the Conservatives, Centre, Social Democratic (SDP) and Liberals

• only men over 25 could vote

what was the issue with the Kaiser having ultimate control in Germany?

• he did not have to listen to the chancellor’s advice and held the power to appoint and sack ministers as he wished

• he could dissolve the Reichstag whenever he wanted to so they had no real power

• had to approve all laws from the Bundesrat

• could declare war and make treaties so he took virtually no advice in his military and foreign policies

• the federal nature of the government as each state controlled their taxes and the Kaiser struggled to raise them to run the country

• Prussia was incredibly dominant in German politics and the other German states were not fairly represented in the Bundesrat

what is militarism?

the belief that a country must have strong armed forces

what is patriotism?

the pride in one’s country and the desire to defend it

what are armaments?

military weapons and equipment

why do many countries pursue militarism?

• patriotism

• employs many people in armed forces and production of armaments

• increases feeling of safety

• helps the leader of a country follow an aggressive foreign policy

why was militarism important to Prussia?

persuaded other German states to unify as the Prussian army defeated many key countries, including France

who were the Junkers?

wealthy landowners who controlled the Prussian army and after unification the Junkers represented Prussia in the Bundesrat

how many seats did Prussia hold in the Bundesrat?

17 out of the 58

how many votes were needed to block laws from passing?

14

what year did Germany become a country?

1871