German Unification

1. German Unification Ch. 26.3

2. Kulturkampf Catholic Center Party vs. Protestant Prussians Bismarck worries about Papal Infallibility May Laws take power from Catholics Pius IX breaks ties with Germany Persecution strengthens Center Party Pius IX dies Leo XIII heals rift

3. Industrial Growth Germany initially agricultural and weak Zollverein and foreign investment industrialize Coal found to be available in large amounts Workers move to cities Germany becomes industrial power Typical issues: Wealthy Middle and Upper Class Poor Workers

4. Workers and Socialism Workers want a change Ferdinand Lassalle founds Universal German Workingman’s Party in 1863 Lassalle considered himself a Socialist He advocated mass political action not Karl Marx’s Revolution

5. Bismarck Vs. Socialists The Socialists worried Bismarck In 1878 Bismarck had the Legislature pass a bill limiting the Socialists Rights He then had the Government take care of the workers The Sickness Insurance Law helped sick workers The Old Age Insurance Law provided in retirement

6. The Fall of Bismarck William I dies in 1888 His son, Frederick III dies 100 days later His son, William II takes the Kaiser’s throne William II believes in the Military and Absolutism When Bismarck threatens to retire in 1890 William II “sent the Old Pilot over the Side” Where is Germany headed?

7. Entrance/Exit Slip -Define Realpolitik and describe one specific example of it. -Describe one example of how Bismarck eliminates opposition to his policies within German Society.