Socialism and social reform

When did German politicians start moving towards socialism?

The 1880s

How many industrial workers were there in Germany by 1910?

Almost 11 million

What did these industrial workers generally face?

Poor living and working conditions

What did socialists want?

Everyone to share in equality and the benefits of work

What was the German Social Democratic Party?

A socialist party which grew rapidly to become the largest party in the Reichstag by 1912

What percentage of workers voted for the SPD (German Social Democratic Party)?

33%

How did the German government reduce the spread of socialism in Germany?

It introduced modest reforms in order to keep the workers happy and loyal to the German state

Why did the German people join trade unions and organise strikes?

They hoped that it would force the Kaiser to improve their conditions

What were some of the social reforms that were put into place?

Social insurance, minimum working age, days off, industrial courts and the extension of health insurance

What did having social insurance systems do?

It provided insurance for accidents, health care, disability and old age, and was introduced in the 1880s

What did having a minimum working age do?

Restricted child labour - the law that no child under 13 could work was introduced by the SPD in 1891

What did having off days do?

Working on Sundays was banned by the SPD in 1891 to increase job satisfaction and allow people to rest

What did having industrial courts do?

They were introduced to settle workers vs employers disputes in 1901 by the SPD

What did having health insurance systems do?

Enable people who suffered from an injury at their workplace not to be affected by no longer being able to hold that position any longer, and further child labour restrictions were implemented in 1903

Which was more important to the Germans: becoming an international power, or removing internal conflict?

Becoming an international power

Why didn’t the Kaiser like England?

His mother was English and he had a very poor relationship with her, and the doctor that helped deliver him was also English and he was born with a disabled left arm - these factors left him with a vendetta against England