Imperial Germany 1871-1914

Imperial Germany 1871-1914
  Economic growth
      Industrialization: coal production, steel. Chemical, electrical   and precision engineering thrives. Railways are expanded.
      Urbanization. Number of cities increased greatly. Many big   cities over 10,000 appeared
      In 1860 70% of population lived from agriculture – in 1907 –   28%; the fastest growing section was the white-collar services
      Cartels were created that kept high prices
      There were increasing differences between east and west of   Germany (west – industry; east - agriculture)
      Constitution of the second Reich
      Constitution of the North German Confederation was just adapted   to the following circumstances:
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      Federal structure: state governments had responsibility   over matters such as direct taxation, education, transport,   police and local government.
      Prussia dominated the Reich.
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      Powerful privileged elites
      Junkers:
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      Army officers:
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    Bismarck's Internal policy 1871-90
  Kulturkampf
      Reasons: identification of Catholicism as potentially disloyal   to the state. 40% minority of Catholics possibly could oppose   militarism, Protestantism and liberalism. Especially the   Papal Decree of Infallibility (1870 – the pope was supposed   to be responsible for all moral, ethical and educational decisions).   Bismarck wanted to remain in power, while Catholics won 70   seats in Reichstag in 1871. He had to weaken them.
      Anti-catholic legislation:
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      Failure of the Kulturkampf: Bishops and priests were turned   into martyrs. The church was strengthened. In 1879 Bismarck   had to reopen relations with the newly...