Section 3 Opposition to Bismarck

Problems for the Empire Bismarck had to compromise politically with the people because of opposition – Many groups emerged. Some wanted a more democratic government, others were afraid of the ever-growing military strength. Bismarck began the Kulturkampf because he saw the Catholics as enemies. – This program limited Catholics severely. It required that all Catholic clergy be Germans taught in German Schools. Diplomatic relations with the Vatican were broken off by the Kulturkampf.

Problems for the Empire Of course, the Kulturkampf generated opposition – Centre Party doubled in size – Bismarck had to eventually modify the Kulturkampf because he needed the support of the Centre Party against the rising amount of socialist presence Reestablished diplomatic relations with the Vatican. Laws against Catholics were eased or repealed Kulturkampf ended in failure in 1887

Industrial Development Under Bismarck During Bismarck’s reign, Germany became an industrial giant. Industrialization came to Germany later than other countries, which was an advantage – They could use the best things already invented and then make them better Many things were now more uniform: money, postal services, prices. Adopted a high-tariff policy to protect industries from foreign competition.

Socialism in Germany Through industrialization, a class of factory workers emerged, who demanded better working conditions They called for government action, and when the gov’t didn’t respond, they formed the SDP – Social Democratic Party – The party grew quickly, and by 1877 it had elected 12 members to the Reichstag Even though they couldn’t actually pass any laws, the Reichstag acted as a sort of forum through which people expressed their feelings of working conditions

Bismarck’s Antisocialist Campaign In 1878, two assassination attempts were made against the emperor – Bismarck used this as ammunition the begin his campaign against socialists – He accused socialists of planning the attacks. Bismarck began passing pro-socialist laws to prevent the socialists from having any reason to have followers. – Did not end socialism in Germany, but did reduce the workers’ grievances.

The Resignation of Bismarck Kaiser William I died in 1888, and he was succeeded by Frederick III who died soon after. So William II was crowned. William II was highly conservative, which caused conflict with Bismarck. – Bismarck began to resent William II for reducing the powers he tried so long to gain. After the socialists scored huge gains in the elections of 1890, Bismarck considered making the Bundestrat create a new constitution

The Resignation of Bismarck However, William II realized this would cause political chaos, so he refused. – Under William I, Bismarck would usually get his way by threatening to resign. But, instead of William II buckling, he just accepted it, and so Bismarck resigned. With Bismarck gone, William II was able to chase his own policies. – He increased the army’s strength and expanded the navy. – By the early 1900s, Germany was stronger than ever before