Unit overview

What do you associate with Germany?

Causes of WW1: Germany in 1900 – An introduction Learning Objectives To identify the sources of Germanys strength in 1900. To evaluate why this would increase tension in Europe.

Germany in the early 1900s A united Germany after 1871- the German REICH (empire). It became a super state which dominated Europe. Prussia was the biggest state. (Like our counties) Large well equipped and well trained army. Second largest population in Europe.

KAISER was the Emperor of Germany. Kaiser’s chief minister was CHANCELLOR. REICHSTAG was Germany’s parliament. Kaiser was a kind of dictator. From 1888 the Kaiser was Wilhelm II.

German People Big regional differences. North- many Protestant churches. South- more Catholic churches. Good education. Good welfare system. Proud of achievements- German writers and composers. Wanted Germany to be seen as a world power.

By 1900: Successful industry in the Ruhr- iron, steel and coal. GERMANY, worried because it was in-between France and Russia, built up the largest land army. The German army was accepted as being the biggest and the best in the world.

What impression are you getting of Germany in 1900 What impression are you getting of Germany in 1900? How could this cause tension in Europe?

How Germany became a country… Before 1806 Germany was made up of 400 states each with their own ruler, and guarded its independence. In 1806 the Holy Roman Empire ended and the number of German states reduced to 39 and called itself the German Confederation. Prussia and Austria were the most dominant states. In 1834 Prussia set up the Zollverein (a free trade area). Prussia gained the upper hand and with the help of Bismarck excluded Austria from German affairs. He worked towards unification of Germany by ‘blood and iron’ and following a number of wars in 1864, 1866 and 1870 unified Germany in January 1871, under the King Wilhelm of Prussia (Emperor of Germany). During the next twenty years Bismarck dominated German affairs.

Information cards Use your information cards to complete your A3 sheet on the Government, Military strength, Naval Strength and economy.

Government Kaiser Wilhelm II (1890 – 1918) He ignored many of the social and economic changes in Germany, the threat from the ‘left’ and continuing to protect the power of the elites. The frequent changes in Chancellor (four between 1890 and 1914) left the Kaiser with more direct power than was intended by the Imperial Constitution. His personality was badly suited to such power and he became increasingly preoccupied with foreign policy. He was born with a paralysed left arm and he needed to prove his own strength and power as an adult. His moods were sometimes erratic and he was sensitive to criticism. He also often chose soldiers to advise him and was extremely interested in the military.

Military Since unification Germany has been guarded by a large, modern and well equipped army. Bismarck originally had a policy of avoiding war at all cost, so he could strengthen and unify his country whilst spreading its borders peacefully. Bismarck had total control of foreign policy.

Military Bismarck's military policy changed when he decided he wanted Germany to have an empire. He increased spending on the military hugely. Why change his mind? Historians argue the following… Bismarck thought Germany was running out of time because all the other powers were taking the colonies. He was trying to divert attention from what was happening at home. So-called ‘social imperialism’. Pressured by those who said Germany needed new markets for her products. Bismarck had long term plans for Empire building. He ‘stumbled’ into colonial expansion as he did everything else! To demonstrate Germany’s strength to others including Britain.

Naval Strength The importance of the Navy – The expansion of the Navy had a profound impact upon Germany’s domestic and foreign policy e.g. the Navy League (1898) was set up as a propaganda instrument. Expansion of the Navy proved popular because it symbolised German growth. Naval bills were passed by the Reichstag in 1898 and 1900 with the support of the Centre Party. However it was costly and contributed to deteriorating relationships with Britain.

Economy Between 1890 and 1914, the German economy expanded, with manufactured goods increasing 500% compared to British manufacturing which merely doubled. By 1914 Germany produced 2/3rds of Europe’s steel, over half its coal and led the way in electrical goods, chemicals and steel. Several factors led to this economic growth: German population increased from 41 to 67.7 million between 1871 and 1914. (By comparison by 1914 France only had a population of 40 million). This gave Germany a vast labour supply located in towns and cities. Large size of the German Empire – providing a home market for German produce. German banking system – granted long term loans which boosted investment.