SWBAT: identify the problems Bismarck faced and how he handled those problems led to his downfall. Homework: None. Happy weekend! Do Now: Study for vocab quiz. Opposition to Bismarck

What kind of government did the German Constitution create? Question:

Many people were unhappy with the lack of voice they had in gov’t. The system of voting that was used gave more representation to members of the upper class. The Catholic Church also proved problematic. Bismarck was a protestant and distrusted the church. Many Catholics were members of the Centre Party, Bismarck’s political opposition. Others feared Bismarck’s ever-growing army. Problems for Bismarck

Translates to “culture struggle”. Bismarck’s anti-Catholic program. A series of laws were passed to try and control the Catholic problem. Jesuits were kicked out of Germany. Disallowed political expression at the pulpit. Diplomatic ties to the Vatican were broken. Catholic church property was confiscated. This led to opposition. The Beginning of Kulturkampf

Opposition The Centre Party doubled in size and many non-Catholics joined the opposition. By 1878, Bismarck began to modify Kulturekampf because he needed the support of the Centre Party against a growing socialist presence. Reestablished diplomatic ties with the Catholic Church and repealed laws against Catholics. By 1887, Kulturekampf had ended in failure.

Germany started out behind other western European countries in terms of industrialization, but this was soon going to change. Germany had rich stores of natural resources, including iron and coal deposits. While Germany industrialized later than Great Britain and France, this was to Germany’s advantage. Could use the best methods and most advanced machinery that had been developed elsewhere. German scientists worked on further improvements. Industrial Development

Money and banking laws were standardized throughout the empire. Postal services were centralized. Gov’t managed railroads to promote industrial development. The gov’t encouraged cartels so that prices could be controlled. Adopted high tariffs on imported goods to protect industries from foreign competition. As a result, Germany soon rivaled Great Britain and France under Bismarck’s command. Industrializing under Bismarck

Thinking back to the Industrial Revolution chapter, what were some of the problems facing: Factory workers? Industrial cities? Capitalists? Take a minute to note these problems. Problems with industrialization begin…

Many of the problems Great Britain faced Germany soon faced as well. Industry led to rapidly growing cities, poor working conditions, and a growing working class. Many people began thinking that maybe if the gov’t controlled industry, some of these problems might be alleviated. Which system is this leaning towards? Problems in Germany

Socialists in Germany would go further than socialists in other industrialized nations to try and push their ideas. In 1869, socialists came together and formed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and it grew quickly. By 1877, the SDP had 12 members elected to the Reichstag. This was almost meaningless though. The Bundesrat had to approve of all Reichstag laws, which gave veto power to the Bundesrat to deny socialist reforms. Socialism in Germany

When the SDP won more than 490,000 votes in 1877, Bismarck made it his primary goal to fight them. He got the opportunity when 2 assassination attempts were made on the emperor in Bismarck knew that both assassins had nothing to do with socialism, but used the attempts as an opportunity to blame the SDP of plotting the attempts. The emperor and Bundesrat dissolved the Reichstag, called for new elections, and began a widespread campaign against socialism. Bismarck’s antisocialist agenda

Bismarck pushed laws that prohibited newspapers, books, and pamphlets from spreading socialist ideas. Banned socialist meetings. But no matter what he did, Bismarck could not stop the spread of socialism’s popularity. The Campaign

Bismarck ultimately decided to concede to socialist demands so fewer people would have reason to support the socialists. Changes Bismarck made: Provided disability insurance paid for by employers. Limited working hours, gave holidays off, and pensions for the disabled/retired. Many other nations soon adopted similar programs. If you can’t beat them, join them

Kaiser William I died in 1888 and was followed by his son, Frederick III. Frederick III died a few months later and was replaced by his son William II. Believed in absolutism of the emperor. This is a problem for Bismarck, and William II believed he had too much power. William II took away a lot of Bismarck’s authority. In the past Bismarck used the threat of his resignation to get his way. When he threatened to resign, William the II accepted. Resignation of Bismarck

Had left Germany strong, but frustrated the German people. Never allowed for the development of a parliamentary democracy. The Legacy of Bismarck

Under William II, Germany was fully transformed into an industrial power. Also increased the size of Germany’s army and expanded the navy. This would eventually lead to direct conflict with Great Britain and the rest of Europe. The Reign of William II Reign: June 1888 – November 9, 1918

Take out your visual timelines from yesterday and continue working. Remember, you have to include the 6 events given, but must fill all 8 boxes. How you do that is up to you. Must be finished by the end of the period. Activity

“The Giant German Ogre” What qualities of Bismarck does this political cartoon emphasize?