“The Political Establishment in Germany succeeded in maintaining the political status quo through a policy of moderate reform” How far do you agree with this statement?

Essay by Jamie220511College, UndergraduateC, October 2014

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"The Political Establishment in Germany succeeded in maintaining the political status quo through a policy of moderate reform"

How far do you agree with this statement?

I agree to some extent that Germany succeeded in maintaining the political status quo through a policy of moderate reforms. The moderate reforms did please and also divide the socialist and liberal groups, the groups that wanted and desired a constitutional change the most. But due to the strictness of the constitution, the Kaiser predominantly maintained a huge deal of power. The immense sense of nationalism and patriotism aided the Kaiser to maintain his power and the status quo. People idolised the Kaiser and this idolisation of him meant that no one would challenge him on his decisions. The traditional elites of Germany felt the patriotism the most, and they pressed for a nationalist foreign policy. This aim, meant trying to unify the groups, this unification would soak up any tension gained during 1900-1914.

The policy of moderate reform satisfied social demand and kept the liberals divided, thus muting a need for constitutional change. There was several laws established that would maintain the status quo. The Sickness Insurance Law of 1903 and Imperial Insurance act of 1911 which amended and extended all workers insurance providers and the 1908 law reduced workers hours to try and benefit the worker's health and overall wellbeing. These laws show that Social Reform was slowly being achieved and given to the Socialists. These laws, though small in scale and very moderate, highlighted the increasing influence of Socialism. The overall threat of Socialism, was overestimated by Prussians, they were underthe misconception that Socialistswas entirely radical, howevermostSocialists were reformists or revisionist. Due to this misconception, prior organisations that were already members of theKaiserreichmaintainedtheStatus Quo.

The Tariff Law of 1902, made higher...