GERMANY STRENGTHS

What resources did Germany have that helped them succeed and become industrialized? Ample coal and iron resources. Disciplined and educated work force. Growing population–source of labor and need for housing Railroads in place Large scientific companies-Steel and Optics (telescopes and microscopes) and synthetic chemicals.

How did the German government help economic development? Single currency Reorganized bank system Coordinated railroads in different German states Raised tariffs to protect home industries during depression

What were Otto von Bismarck’s foreign policy goals? Keep France weak Build strong links with Austria and Russia Respected Britain’s Navy but did not compete.

1/3 of population He was Lutheran and felt catholics’ first loyalty was to Pope not Germany. Kulturkampf (Battle for Civilization) Passed laws that gave state the right to supervise Catholic education and approve the appointment of priests Closed some religious orders and expelled Jesuits Made couples get married by CIVIL Authority. BISMARCH AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Backfired-rallied behind church and Catholic center party gained strength in Reichstag

BISMARCK AND THE SOCIALISTS Feared would undermine the loyalty of German workers and turn them to Revolution. Dissolved socialist groups Shut down their newspapers and banned their meetings Backfired – Had to woo workers by sponsoring laws to protect them

Changes under Kaiser William II Asked Bismarck to resign as Chancellor!!! Afraid Social Democratic Party would sponsor revolution so pioneered social reform: Health and accident insurance, retirement benefits, economic safeguards. Showed that conditions for workers could be improved without revolution. Increased governments role in providing for the needs of its citizens.

Resisted efforts to introduce democratic reforms but provided social welfare programs, cheap transportation and electricity and continued with Bismarck’s public school system. Thought his right to rule came from God. Who do you think was the better leader, William II or Bismarck? Why?

MOVIE CLIPS Intro to Unification of Germany Germany to 1 min; France 1-7min) and England (7-10min) Finish England before WWI (little imperialism and industrialization (unions)) good stuff. (1-8min) Austria at 8:00 (dual monarchy) Austria/Slavs until Russia at 1:35, (Ottoman - Sick man) Balkans 5:15