Section 1 - Germany

German political structure 1871 - Germany was unified through the Franco-prussian war. France lost and Germany united to become one country.     Germany wasnt considered to be very democratic, more liberal, allowed men over the age of 25 to have one vote, but the voting was indirect. Believed working class and peasants could help him to keep the more radical demands of the middle class at bay.                                                                                                        Domestic policies under Bismarck, 1871 - 1890 - Bismarck dealt with the threats from the catholic church by establishing the Kulturkampf (he feared the Pope's power), wasnt considered to be successful, resulted in him befriending the zentrum.                                                                                                           Socialists - represented the working class (proletariats), wanted welfare reforms, gained many seats (tripled votes from 71-90), issued Anti-Socalist laws - attack socialists said they were enemies of the state reichfiende. Publications/trade unions were banned. Support grew for socialists, Bismarck U-turned = state socialism (better pay, shorter hours, pensions, insurance) Resulted in him befriending the socialists.                                                                                       Overall he was conisdered to be a failure, he attacked first then U-turned when it didnt work, but he did deal with issues well and wasnt overthrown.

Domestic policies under Wilhelm ll 1890 - 1914 - Bismarck resigned as Wilhelm ll wanted personal rule, thus meaning Bismarck no longer had complete control.                                                                                                                       Wilhelm's role in German politics was seen to be 'active' and wanted to rule rather than just reign! Thus meaning he chose chancellors who he could control. The chancellors he chose were 'Caprivi' who wanted 'a new direction for Germany', 'Holstein' who took control of foreign affairs, 'Holenlohe' who introduced bills to curb 'socialist subversion' and finally 'Von Bulow' who appealed to the peoples needs through Weltpolitik.