Post on 16-Dec-2015
Germany’s Industries
After German unification (1871), the new German empire emerged as an industrial giant
Several factors made industrialization possible, such as ample iron and coal resources, the basic ingredients for industrial development
A disciplined and educated workforce also helped the economy grow
Chemical and Electrical Industries
German chemical and electrical industries were setting the global standard
Germany’s Industries German middle class created a productive and
efficient society that prided itself on its sense of responsibility
Additionally, a growing population provided a huge home market for goods and a large supply of industrial workers
Applied Science
German industrialists recognized the value of applied science in developing new products, such as synthetic chemicals and dyes
Both industrialists and the government supported scientific research and development (R & D)
German Economic Development
Government also promoted economic development
Government issued a single form of currency for Germany and reorganized the banking system
Leaders of new empire were determined to maintain economic strength and military power
Railroads were developed
Foreign and Domestic Policies
Bismarck pursued several foreign policy goals
He wanted to keep France weak and build strong links with Austria and Russia
Nicknamed the “Iron Chancellor”, Bismarck targeted the Catholic Church and Socialists
He believed these groups posed a threat to the new German state
Believed Catholics would be more loyal to the Church than to Germany
Foreign and Domestic Policies
Bismarck worried that Socialists would undermine the loyalty of workers and turn them toward revolution
Bismarck tried to repress Catholics and Socialists but his efforts failed
For example, the Kulturkampf was a set of laws intended to weaken the role of the church
Instead, the faithful rallied to support the Church When repressing the Socialists failed to work, Bismarck
changed course and pioneered social reform
William II Became Kaiser in 1888 Felt that his right to rule came from G-d William II shocked Europe by asking Bismarck to
resign William II also resisted efforts to introduce
democratic reforms However, his government provided many social
welfare programs to help certain groups of people
The government also provided services such as cheap transportation and electricity
Powerpoint Questions (16 points)
1. In what two industries did Germany set the global standard? (2 points)
2. What natural resources made German industrialization possible? (2 points)
3. In what year was German unification achieved?4. What class created a productive and efficient
society?5. What new products did German industrialists
develop? (2 points)6. What does “R and D” mean?
Powerpoint Questions (16 points)
7. What was Bismarck’s goal toward France?8. What nickname did Bismarck earn?9. What two groups did Bismarck target? Why?
(2 points)10. What was the set of laws intended to weaken
the power of the Catholic Church?11. Who became the Kaiser of Germany in 1888?12. What type of programs did the German
government pass to help poor people?