1. Rise of Nationalist Europe
Germany Strengthens
Rise of Nationalist Europe

2. Industrial Giant A united Germany soon became an industrial powerhouse
Realpolitik – Bismarck got what the country needed
Increase economy, build an army
To industrialize you need two things:
Capital - Money
Natural resources – Iron/Coal
What else contributes to the rise of industry?

3. Making progress Population explosion from 1800-1900
Germany increased by 26 million people – industrial workers ready to go
Tons of natural resources
Educated workforce – primary schools, disciplined children
Chemical/Electric industries set the standard
Already had powered factories
Railroad/transportation system second only to Britain

4. Industry and science Germans held science in high regard
Applying science to develop new products
Synthetics – chemicals/dyes
Government supported science, created universities to train scientists
Government wanted a strong, stable economy
Issue currency, banking systems
Organized and coordinated society
Strong economies could support strong armies

5. The iron chancellor Otto von Bismarck concerned with foreign policy
Keep France weak, form an alliance with Russia and Austria
Stayed away from Britain and their strong navy
“Water rats” do not fight “land rats”
“Iron Chancellor” – ruled Germany ruthlessly
Only support the Empire, not local governments
Crushed all opposition to imperial government
But who would pose a threat?
Catholic church
Socialists

6. Bismarck vs. Church Catholics made up 1/3 of German population
Bismarck was Lutheran – didn’t trust Catholics
Thought Catholics would be loyal to the Pope and not Germany
Kulturkampf – Battle for Civilization/Loyalty
Government could supervise Catholic schools, and approved priest appointments
Expelled the Jesuits
Backfired! People rallied behind the Church
Bismarck saw his mistake, made peace with the Church

7. Bismarck vs. Socialism Socialism was a threat to the Empire’s power
Marxists organized, calling for democracy and improved factory conditions
Bismarck feared a revolution
Passed laws that broke up their groups, shut down newspapers and banned their meetings
Backfired! Workers united behind the socialist ideas
Gained power in the Reichstag

8. Bismarck brings reform
Bismarck tried to make workers happy, turn them away from socialism
Created health insurance, retirements
Bismarck’s idea would be adopted by many nations
Workers still not happy, remained socialist
But Bismarck’s ideas showed you could improve society without revolution

9. Kaiser william ii Grandson of first Kaiser William
Confident, strong
Made Bismarck resign as chancellor
“There is only one master… it is I”
Make his own stamp on Germany
Social welfare to help citizens who need it
Cheap transportation/electricity
His pride/confidence leads to the creation of a huge, super powerful army
Leads to World War I – Nationalism!