The Development of Parliamentary Government in Germany

This section explains the development and expansion of parliamentary government in Germany. Germany, a unified state since 1871, emerged as a powerful European empire following the merger of 25 previously independent states. This new German Empire was established under a federal constitution, which granted each individual state its own laws, princes, and governments.

The structure of the central government was intricate, with several key bodies working together but also holding significant power:

The Kaiser (Emperor) – As the head of the military, the Kaiser had ultimate control over foreign policy and had the power to appoint the Chancellor, who oversaw the government.

The Chancellor – The government’s leader, the Chancellor held authority over the Bundesrat (Federal Council) and was responsible for setting and managing the country’s domestic policies.

The Bundesrat – A council consisting of 58 representatives from the 25 states, the Bundesrat played a critical role in introducing and approving laws before they could be passed by the Bundestag (Federal Parliament).

The Bundestag – A legislative body with 397 elected deputies, the Bundestag was tasked with voting on laws presented by the Bundesrat. While it had a say in policy, it did not have full control.

Weaknesses and Limitations of the System

Although Germany's federal constitution was designed to give certain states a degree of autonomy, there were notable weaknesses in the system that undermined its effectiveness:

The Chancellor’s Position

The Chancellor’s role was precarious, as their tenure depended heavily on maintaining the Kaiser’s favour. If the Kaiser was dissatisfied, the Chancellor could be dismissed at any time, reducing the stability of the government.

State Control Over Taxation

Each of the 25 states controlled its own income tax, which meant that the central government often struggled to raise sufficient revenue to fund national projects and military expenditures. This decentralisation of fiscal power hindered the empire’s financial flexibility.

Prussian Dominance

The kingdom of Prussia had a significant influence over the German Empire, despite efforts to decentralise. Under Wilhelm II, even though Chancellor Leo von Caprivi (1890-1894) relinquished the position of Prime Minister of Prussia (which his predecessor had held), Prussia’s dominance remained a core feature of the political landscape.

Impact of Industrialisation on Society

The late 19th century saw rapid industrialisation across Germany, leading to a massive growth in the urban population. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich became industrial hubs, attracting workers from rural areas. However, this rapid growth created significant social challenges:

Poor Working Conditions

Industrialisation led to overcrowded factories and harsh working conditions. Workers often endured long hours, minimal pay, and unsafe environments. Yet, the government, led by the Kaiser and the Chancellor, paid little attention to these issues, as they were unelected and insulated from public pressure.

Living Conditions

The rapid urbanisation also caused overcrowding in cities. Many workers lived in squalid conditions, with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. The government’s failure to address these issues exacerbated social unrest.

While Germany’s government was designed to balance power across various state and national bodies, its centralised elements, such as the Kaiser’s dominance and the Chancellor’s fragile position, left it vulnerable to political instability. Meanwhile, industrialisation brought about significant social change, but poor governance left the working class exposed to the harsh realities of urban life.