Germany Strengthens

Chapter 7Section 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