Kaiser Wilhelm & Ruling Germany Flashcards
All 9 cards in this deck
What was the Reichstag in Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany?
The elected German parliament, voted for by all men over 25. It could pass or reject laws, but could not appoint or dismiss the Chancellor.
What was Prussian militarism?
The Prussian tradition of respect for the army and military values. Generals had great influence over the Kaiser and were not answerable to the Reichstag.
Why was the growth of socialism a problem for the Kaiser before 1914?
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) won workers' votes and became the largest party in the Reichstag by 1912, demanding social reform and workers' rights; some socialists wanted revolution.
Give one problem that industrialisation created for the Kaiser's government before 1914.
It created a large industrial working class with powerful trade unions, which organised strikes to press for better pay and conditions.
What were the Navy Laws?
Laws passed from 1898 to build a large German battle fleet. At home they pleased nationalists and created jobs, but they were very expensive and left the government in debt.
What was Weltpolitik?
'World policy': Kaiser Wilhelm II's drive from the late 1890s to make Germany a great power across the globe, winning overseas colonies and building a large navy to challenge Britain.
What powers did the Kaiser hold in Germany before 1914?
He chose and sacked the Chancellor, who answered to him rather than to the Reichstag, and he commanded the armed forces and controlled foreign policy himself.
What was the Bundesrat in Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany?
The federal council of delegates sent by the governments of the German states. Every law needed its approval as well as the Reichstag's, and Prussia held the largest bloc of votes in it.
How had German industry grown by 1913?
Germany had become one of the world's leading industrial powers: its steel output was more than double Britain's, and firms such as Siemens, AEG and BASF led the world in electrical goods and chemicals.