The Age of Bismarck (1871—1890)

German Empire Bismarck dominated European diplomacy Established an integrated political and economic structure for the new German state Society based on industrialism, militarism, and innovative social legislation Remarkable increases in productivity and industrialization occurred between 1871 and 1891

Domestic Reform Established a strong, united German state prepared to defend against France Developed universal German civil and criminal codes Established imperial bank Required compulsory military service Used protective tariffs to protect German production Response to socialism: Provided social security, regulated child labor, and improved working conditions for Germans

Bismarck Attacks (P3-5) Attack on CatholicsAttack on Socialists

Bismarck as Chancellor Bismarck’s Kulturkampf placed repression on groups within Germany that Bismarck found subversive Bismarck thought Catholics allegiance was to the Church and not the state Eventually made peace with the Catholics Socialism was gaining support Bismarck had laws passed forbidding socialist meetings, BUT socialism gained more support Bismarck began to pass reforms to please socialist like workmen’s compensation, old-age pensions, and medical protection

Bismarck’s Fall Wilhelm II assumed the throne in 1888 Believed in divine right Resented Bismarck’s power 1890 Bismarck dismissed Legacy of Bismarck: Masterful diplomat: created strong alliances with Austria- Hungary and Italy Germany became strongest, industrial country in Europe Failed to reestablish relations with Russia after the Congress of Berlin Wilhelm II will pursue an aggressive foreign policy that will upset the balance of power into the start of WWI

Social Democrats and Revisionism in Germany Bismarck represses German Social Democratic Party (SPD) anti-socialist laws passed by Reichstag actually strengthen the numbers of the (SPD) passes programs such as accident insurance, disability and old age pensions as a conservative alternative to socialist policies The Erfurt Program – supported Marxist ideas of the collapse of capitalism, but wanted to pursue goals through legislative action, not revolution Revisionism – German socialists ideas of achieving humane social equality without having a revolution founded by Eduard Bernstein critics of Revisionism felt that evolution towards socialism would not work in militaristic, authoritative Germany

The Impact of Socialism on the 19 th Century Due to industrialization across Europe, the demands of workers became major political/economic issues that spawned revolts in Britain, France, Germany, and Russia By the end of the 19 th century, labor unions which were once illegal were accepted across Europe 1864—the First International Working Men’s Association met in London under the leadership of Karl Marx Preached destruction of the capitalists gov’ts of Europe In 1871 when the Paris Commune (socialist) took over Paris, Marx thought the long-awaited class war was beginning, BUT it was crushed by the new republic The First International soon faded away.

Socialism in Europe Second International formed in 1889 Socialist Parties in Europe Britain  Fabian Society Russia  Social Democratic Party French opportunism Germany  Social Democratic Party Reforms based on demands of workers Old-age compensation Safety and sanitation regulations Work hours regulation Medical insurance for workers Universal male suffrage across most of Europe