Pre-WW1 Germany- domestic

German Unification created in 1871 after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire started as a power struggle between Prussia and Austria-Hungary  Chancellor of Prussia, Otto von Bismarck worked to exclude Austria-Hungary from German affairs and set to unify other German states  this aim was achieved in January 1871 when king Whilem 1 of Prussia was proclaimed Kaiser of Germany 

German Government Emperor (Kaiser) Was supreme leader had the ability to: Appoint and dismiss chancellors Dissolve Reichstag (with consent if the Bundesrat)  Direct German foreign policy Command all armed forces as commander-in-chief within the Empire both in peace and war Chancellor Was the chief minister of the Reich and was: Responsible to the Kaiser alone Responsible for shaping the framework of Reich policies Not accountable to the Reichstag  Responsible for appointing all the state secretaries who had no power in their own  Had to sign all decrees from the Kaiser Federal Council (Bundesrat) Was a council from all 25 states within Germany they had power over currency, banking, matters relating to trade, responsibility for education, justice, health and cultural matters had 58 representatives nominated from all the states (with 17 seats for Prussia)  Could alter the constitution had to ratify all legislation  had the ability to reject at military or constitutional issue with just 14 votes   Imperial Parliament (Reichstag) elected by universal male suffrage officials served for 5 years unless the Kaiser dissolved it  could discuss and agree those proposals put forward by the Bundesrat and the Imperial Government not permitted to introduce its own legislation  did not allow chancellor and the state secretaries to be members  

German Economy by early 1900's Germany had become Europe's industrial powerhouse, overtaking Britain in industrial output. It was focused on a wide variety of industriesElectrics: two German firms produced almost 50% of the world electrical products by 1913 Chemicals: fertilizers made from potash and potassium salts greatly increased agriculture outputs. research and development gave Germany the leading role in dyes, pharmaceuticals and artificial fibers. by 1900, 90% of the worlds dyes came from GermanyCars: Germans first produced the automobile but mass production didn't start until the 1920's   Precision Equipment: Germany had great development into things such as optics, cameras and mechanical engineering  The Labour ForceGermany had an ever growing population (almost 65 million by 1910) with that came a move from the primary sector (agriculture, fishing) to the secondary (industry, mining) and tertiary (banking, commerce) Reasons for German SuccessLong-term causes Population: Germany had a rapidly growing population, therefore had a large work force. the younger population was willing to move from job to job, allowing them to gather new skills. this let Germany continue to develop.Raw Materials: Germany had large amounts of natural resources. they had coal, iron-ore and potash in abundance. thus the huge demand for energy, iron-steel productions and chemicals could largely be met from domestic supplies instead of relying on imports.Geography: Germany had major navigable rivers and easy access to the Danube. the large flat northern plain allowed fro construction of its excellent railway system.  Short Term Causes Education: Germany had the best elementary education in the world, and between 1890 and 1914, university enrollment doubled.Banks: Banking was a large stimulant to the economy. they provided generous long term loans, which allowed them to be directly involved in industry. Protection: Bismarck placed import tariffs, which allowed domestic industry to develop and helped start up industries.  

Weltpolitikafter Bismarck resigned, the Kaiser (Wilhelm II) had new ideas about where Germany should go. Bismarck had no colonial desires and only wanted to keep Germany as an economic superpower in Europe. the new kaiser wanted to attain colonies and grow the German navy to match the power of their army, as well as create larger economic "spheres of influence" this was to be accomplished through a new form of policy called Weltpolitik.Political Impactoverall weltpolitik was successful because it had acceptance from various political parties and both upper and middle classes. it creatively played on feelings patriotism and loyalty to the crown.Budgetthe cost of weltpolitik was soon felt, the cost of sustaining Germany's large army and building its navy soon put them in debt, therefore new taxes had to be put in place. two proposals were put forward, a rise in indirect tax, and  and inheritance tax (the tax on the estate of a person who has died) these tax proposals were both weakened by the Reichstag, and therefore the government debt continued to grow. 

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