1867 B Nat example essay topic
299 words
GERMAN CONSTITUTION AND ITS OPERATION. Based on North German Confederation in 1867. States preserved their own constitutions, rulers, parliaments and administrative systems. Sthn. States retained some special internal rights- mainly decorative. System: delicate equilibrium with the key institutions keeping each other in check, created major tensions between monarchical and parliamentary claims to power & between federal and state power. Prussia could no longer be governed without consideration of wider interests. B. recognised the need to make tactical alliances with parties in Reichstag to ensure that legislation was passed ROLE OF BISMARCK IN NEW REICH. After 1871 B. was Prussian prime minister, foreign minister, Reich chancellor. B. exploited his influence over William. Ensured that other ministers were just senior clerks, carrying out orders. Dictator b / c control exerted.
Practical & theoretical limitations to power esp. domestic affairs. Federal state- need to serve all interests & Reichstag- bowed to pressure EXTENT OF GERMAN DISUNITY. Each state had its own tradition, real powers over education, justice & religion. 60% population- Protestant.
Catholic- Alsace-Lorraine,'s-w Germany, Rhineland, Poles. 10% non-German minorities. Economic divisions- rich & poor. Social divisions- between industrializing north & west, rural's & e BISMARCK'S DOMESTIC POLICIES 1.
POLITICAL PARTIES & NATIONAL LIBERALS. Middle class National Liberals were ideal allies: applauded B. success I creating united Germany & were eager to help him consolidate national unity. Uniting reforms: national system of currency was introduced, Reichsbank was created, all internal tariffs were abolished & was much less legal standardisation, B. & Nat. Lib. United against Catholic Church- conservative. 1867 B. & Nat.
Lib. Agreed that military budget should remain at fixed level outside Reichstag control until 1872.
