1. The New German Empire
Road to WWI

2. Administration Became known as the “Second Reich”
Each state had their own King or Prince
Each state had reps for the Parliament
2 sections Bundesrat
appointed
2 sections Reichstag
elected

3. Administration
Made military service mandatory, legal systems were made uniform, money, railway, mail and telegraph were all controlled and administered by the government

4. Problems with the Government
Bundesrat could veto the Reichstag
Prussia dominated the government
Prussia’s dominance was evident; William I was emperor and Bismarck was the Chancellor

5. Conflicts Religious Differences:
Bismarck saw the Catholics as a threat to the government
Launched a political attack on them (passing of laws)
Failed
Repealed laws to gain back support

6. Conflicts Political Demands:
People wanted a more democratic government
Germany had poor living and working conditions
Bismarck introduced accident, health and old age pension
Wanted the support of the workers

7. Changing of the Guard William II gained the throne
Forced Otto Von Bismarck to retire
Wanted Germany to be a major commercial, colonial and military power
Began to compete for colonies in Asia, Africa and the Pacific

8. The 2nd Reich: End Results
Germany’s pride grew due to military and economic progress
Germany became the leader in terms of industrialization
Germany’s education system becomes a world leader
Germany became a major world power
Scared the rest of Europe