Growth in socialism

SPD

• largest party in the Reichstag by 1914 - more seats in the Reichstag meant they could pass more laws

• their views conflicted with the Kaiser’s

• advocated for workers and lower middle class

• won 36% of the votes in the Reichstag - in 1890 they had 35 members but in 1912 it increased to 1912

• led by Rosa Luxembourg (communist)

• believed in socialism - idea that power and wealth should be shared equally among the people

trade unions

organizations made up of workers, who advocated for improved workers’ rights and conditions

causes in the growth of socialism

• unification → raw materials were shared, manufactured goods were transported more easily, making business transactions easier

• increase in population → provided a ready workforce and larger market for goods

• new colonies → gave Germany access to raw materials and markets

Rise of socialism problems

1. urbanisation → working classes wanted better working and living conditions and new and growing industries needed regulation

2. growing population → growing sense of identity and want for better representation

3. rising membership in trade unions → 2.5 million members by 1913, committed to improving conditions for the working class, different ideas to the Kaiser (strikes and revolutions could follow)

Did the Kaiser deal with the socialist threat well?

• No, as he tried to please the people instead of actually dealing with the problem

• the problem would just increase, and at some point it will be uncontrollable

• ‘Weltpolitik’ - Germany’s foreign policy, expanded Germany’s territory, which boasted the size of the army and navy, distracting people from socialism and increased support