Bismarck's Domestic Policy 1971-1890

POLITICAL PARTIES

• National Liberals: Decrease from 125 to 42 - peak at 1874 - free trade not favoured, Bismarck sided with the Conservatives
• Centre Party: Increase from 58 to 106 - peak at 1890 (Kulturkampf)
• SPD: Increase from 2 to 35 - peak at 1890 (industrialisation)
• National Groups - Increase from 14 to 27 - peak in 1881 (policy on national minorities)

NATIONAL LIBERALS VS CONSERVATIVES

• Bismarck realised political advantages in abandoning free trade
• Could win influential support - espousing protectionist policies
• Irritated by National Liberals not passing anti-Socialist laws
• 1878 election: lost around 30 seats - declining influence
• Combined with Conservatives, could have majority in Reichstag

POLITICAL IMPACT…