Germany Strengthens

Chapter 7

Section 2

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?

The End