Transcript Germany Strengthens - Christian Brothers High School

22.2
 Following
the unification of Germany, the
nation became Europe’s industrial leader.
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German chemical electrical industries were global
leaders and their shipping was 2nd only to Britain.
Vast coal and iron deposits, an educated workforce,
and industrial progress during the mid 19th century
drove economic progress.
German industrialists were the 1st to use science for
the creation of synthetic chemicals and dyes.
A single currency was issued, the banking system was
reorganized and railroads were coordinated.
 As
chancellor Otto von Bismarck pursued foreign
and domestic policies.
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He wanted to keep France weak, while linking Austria and
Prussia to one another. He did not seek to compete with the
British Navy’s superiority.
Domestically he sought to destroy local loyalties and all other
opposition to the state.
The Catholic church was hated on due to their loyalty to the
pope. Kulturkampf, or “battle for civilization” lasted from
1871-1878 and focused on making the state the #1 loyalty to
Catholics. The faith was supported by it’s followers and
Bismarck back peddled to make peace with the Church.
 The
Social Democratic Party was created by
workers to improve working conditions.
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Bismarck feared that workers would align with this
group instead of the German state. Socialist
newspapers and meetings were banned. Workers
revolted and once again Bismarck had to appease his
opposition. He issued health, accident, and old age
insurance. Other nations were influenced by
Germany’s social programs.
 In
1888, William II took the title of
chancellor.
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He was very confident in his ability to lead and thus
asked Otto von Bismarck to step down as chancellor.
Social welfare programs such as electricity, public
schools and cheap transportation.
His drive to expand German lands and to improve their
navy led to tensions prior to the start of WWI.