New Germany Constitution of 1871 and Democracy in Germany
How far did the new German constitution of 1871 establish a democratic form of government in Germany?
1871 marked the start of the new German Empire with Wilhelm I as Kaiser and Otto von Bismarck as chancellor. The National Liberals wanted a democratic constitution, which would limit the power of the Kaiser and give more power to the people of Germany by allowing them to vote. Despite his traditional conservative views, Bismarck joined the National Liberals in order to fulfil his wish for a strong, united Germany.
The Kaiser, who was also the King of Prussia, was extremely powerful in terms of politics. He had the final say in any dispute over the constitution, gave assent to all laws and commanded the Germany army directly. These factors alone demonstrate that, in 1871, the constitution gave the Kaiser vast amounts of power and the people of Germany did not have a say in the way the country was ran. On the other hand, the Reichstag were members of parliament elected by males over 25. It could be argued that this was a fair and liberal factor, since men from every social class had the right to vote. But, Bismarck interfered with the appointment of ministers, perhaps the votes were not entirely fair. Also, the Reichstag had the right of free speech. However, this seems ironic, since they could not amend a law or demand dismissal of the Chancellor or ministers. Also, Kaiser Wilhelm I could dissolve the Reichstag, which meant compared to him they were practically powerless.
During this time, Bismarck manipulated the Kaiser. He was not only the Chancellor, but the Prussian prime minister and the foreign minister too. In fact, in terms of policies, he was not even required to take account the views of the Reichstag. He had traditional conservative views, as he represented the Junker class. They were wealthy landowners and were economically very powerful before agriculture started to decline and peasants began to move to the city.
Despite the fact the National
1871 marked the start of the new German Empire with Wilhelm I as Kaiser and Otto von Bismarck as chancellor. The National Liberals wanted a democratic constitution, which would limit the power of the Kaiser and give more power to the people of Germany by allowing them to vote. Despite his traditional conservative views, Bismarck joined the National Liberals in order to fulfil his wish for a strong, united Germany.
The Kaiser, who was also the King of Prussia, was extremely powerful in terms of politics. He had the final say in any dispute over the constitution, gave assent to all laws and commanded the Germany army directly. These factors alone demonstrate that, in 1871, the constitution gave the Kaiser vast amounts of power and the people of Germany did not have a say in the way the country was ran. On the other hand, the Reichstag were members of parliament elected by males over 25. It could be argued that this was a fair and liberal factor, since men from every social class had the right to vote. But, Bismarck interfered with the appointment of ministers, perhaps the votes were not entirely fair. Also, the Reichstag had the right of free speech. However, this seems ironic, since they could not amend a law or demand dismissal of the Chancellor or ministers. Also, Kaiser Wilhelm I could dissolve the Reichstag, which meant compared to him they were practically powerless.
During this time, Bismarck manipulated the Kaiser. He was not only the Chancellor, but the Prussian prime minister and the foreign minister too. In fact, in terms of policies, he was not even required to take account the views of the Reichstag. He had traditional conservative views, as he represented the Junker class. They were wealthy landowners and were economically very powerful before agriculture started to decline and peasants began to move to the city.
Despite the fact the National