Opposition to Bismark

1. Opposition to Bismark

2. Objectives:  • What problems did Bismarck face as chancellor of the German Empire? • How did Germany become industrialized under Bismarck's leadership? • What factors lead to the decline of Bismarck's power as chancellor? 

3. Do Now! • What are different ways unification has taken place thus far?

4. Problems For The Empire • The constitution did not give bismarck the absolute monarchy he wanted, therefore he tried to achieve it in other ways. the constitution gave little say for the people. • There was poliical paries that opposed Bismarck's policies. Bismarck's government was forced to follow some of these demands. Some groups demanded a more liberal and democratic government. some feared the policies and feared the ever growing army. • Realations to the catholic church lead to problems because Bismarck is a protestant. Bismarck started the anti-cattholic program of Kulurkampf. Eventually even church property was confiscated because Bismarck made it so he can control the church.

5. Problems for the Empire • Wanted absolute power but the constitution didn’t allow it • Political parties were formed to oppose bismarks policies • He was protestant and did not trust Catholics • Many Catholics were part of the Centre Party which Bismark regarded as the enemy

6. Problems for the empire cont… • Bismark started anti catholic program known as Kulturkampf • Kulturkampf -Germany passed strict laws to control clergy and schools.

7. Industrial Development underBismarck • During Bismarcks ruling the German Empire became a indusrtial giant. Germany had many natural resources, such as coal and iron deposits. Germans government managed the railroads to promote industrial development. • Industrialization came to Germany later so they were able to use the new technology that was allready created to better the transportation. • Under Bismarck the government helped the industry in many ways. Money and banking were standardized. Postal services where much buisness was done were centralized. The government adopted a high-tariff policy to protect industries from foreign competition.

8. Industrial Development • Rich in Coal and Iron Deposits • Government ran the railroads and canals • Industrialization came later in Germany than it did in France or Great Britain • Is this a positive or a negative?

9. Industrial Development • Positive! Used the best methods and most advanced machinery • German Government encouraged businesses to form Cartels- groups of companies that combine together for a greater market place and control prices • High Tariff policy to protect businesses from foreign competition

10. Socialism in Germany • With the growing economy of Germany, came the factory workers. German laborers, like in other nations, wanted decent working conditions. some believed that the actions of the cartel led to the lower worker wages and higher consumer wages. • Some in other countries went further in their opinions and they called for government ownership for major companies. German socialist grouped together in 1869 to form  what would become the Social Democratic Party(SDP). The party grew quickly and members came from the urban workers. • Even if the SDP could get larger they had no say in the laws.

11. Socialism • What is socialism? • German Laborers wanted decent working conditions • Many felt the solution to the problem would be government ownership of major businesses. • The socialist formed the SDP (Social Democratic Party)

12. Bismarck's Antisocialist Campaign • Every gain in socialist voting strength alarmed Bismarck. Then when the SDP came to have a large amount of votes, Bismarck decided to fight them. He got his chance in 1878 when two assassination attempts were made against the emperor. • Bismarck knew that neither of the would-be assassins had any connections with the socialism. However he took advantage of public concern by accusing the Social Democrats of plotting the atttempts. • Bismarck granted many of the things that the socialists proposed, so that fewer people would have reason to support them. This gave insurance and better working hours.

13. Bismarck’s Antisocialist Movement • Socialist demand and gain in political power alarmed Bismarck • When SDP won more than 490,000 Votes Bismarck decided to fight them • In 1878 he used assassination attempts against the emperor and blamed it on the Socialist • This did not work…. • Bismarck decides to to grant workers freedom in order to reduce the popularity of the socialist

14. The Resignation of Bismarck's • Kaiser William I died in 1888 at the age of 91. then Frederick III took reign over him, but he ended up dying a few months later. Fredericks son William II became emporer in 1888. He was 29 years old. • William II held strong conservative opinions. He believed in absolute authority. William thought that Bismarck had too much power. • Bismarck offered to resign in 1890, however kaiser accepted. With bitterness Bismarck resigned. • Bismarck's policies left Germany strong, but had left frustrated Germans. During Williams reign Germany became the most powerful country.

15. Why is German Unification going to make an impact on the world?

16. What are some positive’s and Negative’s of Bismarck’s reign? Positive Effects Negative Effects

17. Question • What lead to the decline of power of Bismarck as Chancellor?