Nation-States Reading Questions

Describe the new German government after 1871.

Federal union of 24 German states under Prussia’s leadership, new German govt. frequently used anti-liberal militarist and imperialist policies in attempt to unite national population and overcome intractable domestic conflicts. (everyday business of govt. handled by separate states of Germany, nut the Reichstag (parliament) and chancellor were strongly governing in a national manner

What political strategy may Bismarck have been employing by establishing reforms such as social security laws?

Counter revolutionary reforms, also establishing reforms like social security to win over support of the working class by giving them national sickness insurance. (Propaganda)

Why did William II force Bismarck to resign?

William wanted to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy, was like a old-school Prussia king who wanted absolute power, also opposed Bismarck’s attempt to renew the anti-socialist laws, wanted support of the workers.

What pattern(s) seem to emerge when attempting to describe the history of France’s attempt to establish a republic?

There is always a power struggle between a radical faction and a moderate faction, classes are divided and the republic starts to fall apart, Paris is too radical, they overthrow the current govt. and create a more democratic govt. the rulers then want more power so overthrow and seize it for themselves.

Define the “Irish Question” of late 19th early 20th century Great Britain, and explain the various positions taken concerning the issue.

Great Britain was faced with the question of whether or not to enact the Irish Home Rule act, William Gladstone, a liberal prime minister, supported the idea but ended up splitting the liberal party over the conflict. Irish revolution fueled by the Great Irish Famine, self-governance or no, south Catholics say yes, north protestants say no (don’t want to become the minority. (Does Ireland belong in the British empire? protestants say no …

What event “suspended” the exploration of the “Irish Question?”

World War I

What peoples of the Balkan Peninsula gained more and more autonomy from the Ottoman Empire throughout the 19th century?

Serbians, Bulgarians, Romanians.

Although Hungary did not gain independence from the Austrian Empire in 1848, what ethnic group of Hungary continued to struggle for independence, and what solution was reached in 1867 between Austria and these people?

Magyars, a dual-monarchy was established in which the 2 states were separate (autonomous) yet shared the same Hapsburg monarch. Constitution of 1848 restored in 1867.

What percentage of the Austrian Empire was ethnically German in the late 19th century, and what is the implication of this fact?

33% (1/3), Austria was upset about losing its dominant Role in Germany. Losing connection with Germany.

List and explain some of the reasons for nationalism’s growing popularity in Europe in the late 19th century.

Universal conscription (instills patriotic values), free compulsory education (language and history), common currency, postal service, images of heroes and historic events, new symbols, statues, and monuments, national holidays, improved transportation and communication, educated elite promote national pride. (Right side of politics leaders used nationalism to promote racism, unification promoted loyalty, railroads got rid of rural isolation, improve literacy, adoption of new and old flags. (Rise of Napoleon who exported revolutionary ideas, industrial revolution led to urbanization and spread of ideas, democracy and new political ways of thinking radicalized the people made them want to have their own nation states  people of same background, similar views, same religion etc. America is not a nation state.)