Wilhelmine Society: Authoritarian.

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  • Authoritarian Germany
    • Kaiser Wilhelm II
      • Selfish
      • He was the only one who had the decision of an alliance
        • Only made alliance with Russia. If more democratic there would've been more suggestions.
      • Believed he had the 'divine right to rule.;
      • Pushed Germany into the Royal Navy
      • Hereditary system
      • Military manoeuvres
      • Power to appoint & dismiss Chancellor and his state secretaries.
        • Completely independent of the Reichstag's wishes
    • Chancellors
      • Kaiser used them to trick Germany into thinking it was democratic
      • More undemocratic& weak than authoritarian
      • Essentially civil servants
        • Position depended on the Kaiser's trust.
      • Kaiser interfered with their power
    • Reichstag & Political Parties
      • The Kaiser's authority in many areas was impervious to popular control.
        • Kaiser couldn't imagine giving them any political power.
      • The Chancellor had minimal effect
      • Relied on right-wing parties.
      • SPD adopted an uncompromising Marxist programme to overthrow Wilhelm's System
    • Federal States
      • 25 states retained control over many domestic matters
        • Imperial Authority
      • The vote gave disproportionate political weight to the rich.
    • The Army
      • Bismarck fought hard to keep the military under political control.
      • General Staff did not consult civilian ministers when they drew up its war plans.
      • Was aristocratically led
      • Officers selected by regimental commanders.

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