1. 25.3 Opposition to Bismarck

2. A. Opposition groups form 1. Prussians conservative 2. Other politicians oppose Bismarck 3. Increased tensions between Prussia and the other German states B. Relations with Catholic Church 1. Bismarck did not trust loyalty of the Catholics in the empire 2. Kulterkampf- anti-Catholic program Strict laws to control clergy and schools a. Forbade political expression from the pulpit b. Clergy Germans educated in German schools c. Church property confiscated d. Doubled the size of Centre Party- opposition e. Ended 1887 when Bismarck needed the help of Centre Party

3. A. Germany becomes industrial Giant 1. Rich natural resources 2. Gov. managed railroads and transportation 3. Came later so could use the best machinery and methods B. Bismarck helped industry 1. Money and banking laws 2. Centralized postal service 3. Encouraged cartels 4. Adopted high-tariff

4. A. Social Democratic Party formed 1. 1877- elected 12 members to Reichstag B. Accomplished very little 1. Bundesrat was conservative and would not pass laws 2. Did managed the support of workers

5. A. Bismarck used all his power to fight them 1. Assassination attempts- Bismarck connects with Socialism 2. Emperor and Bundesrat dissolve Reichstag and call for new elections B. Socialists laws 1. newspaper, books, pamphlets could not spread ideas 2. Banned public meeting of socialists C. Bismarck grants reforms to stop the growth of the party 1. Workers compensation, limited working hrs, pensions

6. A. Kaiser William I died in 1888 B. Kaiser William II- believed in absolute authority of the monarch 1. Limited the power of chancellor 2. Bismarck resented C. 1890 Bismarck offers resignation (a trick he pulled many times) 1. William II accepts and Bismarck bitterly resigns