Political Problems in Germany that led to War (1914)

It was through politics that helped lead to war in 1914. It was the elites - the decision makers that largely determined the outcome for German's. These included, the Kaiser - Chancellors - growth in political parties etc.......

Growth in SPD

- Problem for the Kaiser because it meant that the workers were coming out stronger instead of the traditional Conservative Parties which represented the rich in Germany.

- In 1912 received 110 seats - higher than any other party, in comparison to the centre Party with 91 and Conservatives with 43. By 1910 also the socialists had 720,000 members, making it the largest socialist party within Europe - maybe a threat for the Kaiser and other political parties.

- Perhaps govt members thought by having war and then winning it would lead the German people to become nationalist uniting behind the second Reich, and especially the Kaiser. This would inevitably help to reduce the popularity of the socialists and trade unions

• [by the eve of war 2.5 million workers were members of trade unions - 400,000 went on strike within 1913 for better working conditions]

Representation within the Reichstag

- For the average German they had…