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The Kaiserreich, 1871–1914

Empire to democracy, 1871–1929: The Kaiserreich, 1871–1914

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AqaA LevelHistory1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

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The Kaiserreich, 1871–19146 objectives

Political authority: the extent and make-up of the German Empire in 1871; the 1871 constitution; the role of Emperor and Chancellor; political groupings and parties and their ideologies.
Government and opposition: Kaiser Wilhelm I and government under Bismarck; their personalities and policies; the role of the Reichstag; the struggle between autocracy and democracy; the development of parties and political opposition.
Government and opposition: Kaiser Wilhelm II and his chancellors; personalities and policies; the place of the Reichstag; the struggle between autocracy and democracy; the development of parties and political opposition.
Economic developments: industrial expansion; old and new industries; trade and wealth.
Social developments: the class hierarchy; elitism and the culture of militarism; the condition of the working people.
The political, economic and social condition of Germany by 1914.

KaiserChancellorReichstagBismarckian SystemAutocracySocial DemocracyKaiserreichIndustrializationMilitarismSocial Darwinism

Focus on the Constitution's structure: When discussing the political authority in the Kaiserreich, emphasize the federal structure established by the 1871 Constitution.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing political developments, always support your arguments with specific examples from the period.

Confusing the roles of the Kaiser and Chancellor: Remember that the Kaiser was the head of state with ultimate authority, while the Chancellor was the head of government responsible for day-to-day administration.
Confusing the roles of the Kaiser and the Reichstag: Clarify that while the Reichstag could debate and vote on laws, the Kaiser held ultimate authority and could bypass the Reichstag.

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