Physics IA
German Domestic Policy 1871-1890
New empire meant a new constitution. Based on the North German confederation of 1867
Federation of states with power and functional divided between them. One federal government and 25 state governments
True democracy? Military monarchy/ Semi-autocracy/ Sham constitutional state
Inbuilt conflicts of power Emperor and Parliament
Monarch head of civil service, military
Monarch head of civil service, military
Prussia 60% of population and 2/3 of its territories. 235 deputies in 397 seat Reichstag
Prussian aristocracy dominant Position
Old Prussia diluted and more non-Prussians got important posts
Some Prussians accused Bismarck of Weakening Prussia
Bismarck’s Position: Prussian Prime minister and Foreign Minister, and Reich Chancellor. Dominated the Bundesrat after 1871
Personal influence over Wilhelm I
Did not allow potential rivals to work with him - chose weaker men. No collective government or cabinet. Son was secretary of state of the foreign office from 1886
Reputation for bullying, vindictiveness and not taking any criticism
Accused of being a dictator, but there were limits on him:
Federation meant dispersal of power
Reichstag had significant powers
Poor Health
Germany and Democracy
Bismarck not natural democrat – believed in tradition – rule by King, military and himself. Constitution limited democracy, but Reichstag had some important powers:
Could refuse consent for legislation and money bills
Those who elected it joined a broader base of parties. Bismarck could not ignore them even if they could not govern.
Bismarck knew he had to work with Reichstag, but often if they did not agree with them, he dissolved it and called for fresh elections. Used international problems to win people over to his side and make his opponents look like enemies
Was helped by the respect for authority that most Germans had.
However, Reichstag id had an affect on Bismarck’s decisions and policies even though
New empire meant a new constitution. Based on the North German confederation of 1867
Federation of states with power and functional divided between them. One federal government and 25 state governments
True democracy? Military monarchy/ Semi-autocracy/ Sham constitutional state
Inbuilt conflicts of power Emperor and Parliament
Monarch head of civil service, military
Monarch head of civil service, military
Prussia 60% of population and 2/3 of its territories. 235 deputies in 397 seat Reichstag
Prussian aristocracy dominant Position
Old Prussia diluted and more non-Prussians got important posts
Some Prussians accused Bismarck of Weakening Prussia
Bismarck’s Position: Prussian Prime minister and Foreign Minister, and Reich Chancellor. Dominated the Bundesrat after 1871
Personal influence over Wilhelm I
Did not allow potential rivals to work with him - chose weaker men. No collective government or cabinet. Son was secretary of state of the foreign office from 1886
Reputation for bullying, vindictiveness and not taking any criticism
Accused of being a dictator, but there were limits on him:
Federation meant dispersal of power
Reichstag had significant powers
Poor Health
Germany and Democracy
Bismarck not natural democrat – believed in tradition – rule by King, military and himself. Constitution limited democracy, but Reichstag had some important powers:
Could refuse consent for legislation and money bills
Those who elected it joined a broader base of parties. Bismarck could not ignore them even if they could not govern.
Bismarck knew he had to work with Reichstag, but often if they did not agree with them, he dissolved it and called for fresh elections. Used international problems to win people over to his side and make his opponents look like enemies
Was helped by the respect for authority that most Germans had.
However, Reichstag id had an affect on Bismarck’s decisions and policies even though