1. HIST 2117: Modern Germany Spring 2014
Lecture Seven: 1871, The Newly Unified Germany

2. Political Institutions of the German Empire
“Federal” Character: 25 States
Prussian Predominance
3 Tiers of Government
Emperor and Chancellor
Federal Council (Bundesrat)
National Parliament (Reichstag)
Democratic Constitution
State Governments

3. Symbols of German Unity
Hohenzollern Eagle, Black, Red, White Flag
Search for Heroes in German History
Holidays: Sedan Day

4. Practical Politics and Bismarck’s Strategy
Centrality of Bismarck
Power Bases between Empire and States
Junker Conservatism, the Kreuzzeitung
National Political Parties
German Conservative Party
Free Conservatives
National Liberals
Progressives
Others (Center, Guelphs)
Social Democrats

5. Political Issues after 1871
Budgets and Taxation
Depression of 1873
Alliance of Iron and Rye
Bismarck’s Social Welfare State
Uniform Legal Code
Nationalized Railroads and Post Office
National Health, Disability Insurance