industrialisation & socialism - how did they change germany?

while kaiser dominated decision making, political parties developed in importance and organisation

many parties existed in the reichstag, but none held a majority in the kaiser’s reign prior to WW1 (1871-1914)

at the start of wilhelm II’s reign, conservative, right-wing parties joined together to control the reichstag

by 1914, these parties had lost influence. left wing; the social democrat party had grown with the rising number of industrial workers

left wing: pushed for social reforms for workers. popular with working class, became more powerful as the industry grew

right wing: su[ported by wealthy landowners, with strong military ties and royal family. anti-jewish and anti-socialist views common

german industrial strength rapidly increased under wilhelm II

world leading companies were developed in electrical, chemical and automotive industries, such as bosch, mercedes, siemens and basf.

steel industries became world leaders and boosted german exports massively

population booms from 40 million in 1871 to 68 million in 1914. this is lead to german industry/economy grows, increased demand for food production. far more industrial workers and voters

1875-1910, berlin’s population doubles. this leadto rapid urbanisation, more people living in cities than the countryside, people are more prone to illness, housing crisises

1871, there are 8 towns in Germany with 100,000 people. in 1910, 48 towns, this meant there was less disease, towns expand, more deforestation, germany becomes urban, food shortages due to less agriculture, forming of trade unions and new political ideas

by 1910, 60% of Germans live in towns and cities, this meant more industrial production, more working class groups that are different to tradition

by 1914, only 1/3 of workers are in agriculture, meaning more reliance on buying food from overseas (imports). 1/5 of German foods were imported by 1914

1880, German steel production was ½ of britain’s. in 1914, German steel production now doubles britain’s. this meant more powerful as a nation, allowed for the expansion of war production, lead to growing tension with Britain and other nations that will contribute to WW1