Internal Tensions: Wilhelmine Germany

To what extent was Wilhelmine Germany rived by internal tensions’
There were many reasons as to why Wilhelmine Germany had internal tensions and strains. A lot of these reasons are to do with the political side and the contradictions to do within Germany being seen as constitutional and democratic and then not issuing any of these policies. There are issues within the political parties themselves and conflating ideologies, as well as with the chancellors, the Kaiser and the government. Again another source of tensions was the growing minorities and varying races and religions making up a large part of Whilhelmine Germany, whom were treated immorally. All of these strains add up to make a tension filled country with a lot of underlying
There were many different political parties within the Reichstag with opposing views and opinions. There was the Centre Party, with strong catholic values and supporters, this again links back to the tensions within the minorities and a religion also as this was a fairly popular party during this time. There was also the Free Conservative Reich party who were extremely conservative supported by the landowners, the Junkers, and the industrialists, therefore having large support, as well as the Wilhelmine society being predominantly conservative. Then there was the Social Democratic Society (SPD) supported by the workers, this became increasingly the most popular party. Its growing recognition within the Whilhelmine population caused tensions because up until 1980 socialism had been outlawed, however by 1912 it was the largest party in the Reichstag as the urban/industrial Germany was increasing. The standard of living was low o the workers looked to the socialists, essentially a Marxist party they looked for revolution. The want for revolution and the mass support for this party scared the Kaiser causing underlying tensions within the Reichstag. However the SPD were reducing their want for revolution and manifested as trade unions and strikes, although this still caused problems for the Kaiser. Wilhelm II didn’t consult the
Despite having a Reichstag and various political parties within, showing different views, the country was still essentially run by the Kaiser. The Kaiser had the power to summon the Reichstag and dismiss it when he pleased, this clearely caused unrest as in spite of there being a government, and Wilhelm II had overruling authority. Again, as well as controlling the fate of the Reichstag, the Kaiser was also the one whom appointed the chancellors and all government ministers and it was these ministers who would propose legislation for the two houses of parliament. So from this we can see, despite not directly controlling the state through political decisions made by him, he could decide who he wanted as chancellor and when he wished to dismiss them. An example of this was Von Caprivi, the chancellor appointed in 1890 taking over from Von Bismarck, he let the Kaiser know that if appointed he would be compliant, possibly why he was chosen as then Whilhelm would have effortless ruling. However, showing again that it is an authoritarian state, and somewhat dictatorial, the Kaiser removed Caprivi as he felt he was too progressive. Caprivi wanted a cooperative Reichstag and to be