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| German Politics | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 5 2012, 05:27 PM (1,211 Views) | |
| German Empire | Aug 21 2012, 11:24 AM Post #21 |
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July 1907: Following the announcement of the British, in the Second Hague conference that "His Majesty's Government cannot commit to nor concur with any outside and artificial constraints on the development of the Royal Navy", several members of the Reichstag have voiced distinct displeasure at Germany's attendance of the conference. The socialist line of argument was based on the fact that Great Britain, as the premier sea power should play a leading role in making the high seas a safer place, something which arms cannot do. More nationalist factions of the Reichstag agreed with the socialists in practise if not in principle. A often heard question was "If Britain does not limit its arms, then what is the point in anyone else limiting their own powers of self defence." In addition, many have taken the notice to imply that Britain does not have all-round peaceful intentions. For anyone interested in self defence would see no issue in a general reduction is armaments. Finally it was pointed out that the latest increase in German Naval construction was in direct response to the large programme run by other nations, especially Britain which has no less than eight Dreadnoughts under construction or in service, to Germany's two. On top of which it seems that four more of the new battle cruisers are being planned. Such a preponderance in naval armaments does indeed seem to serve one purpose only, that of aggression. The whole Reichstag concurred that those in favour of leaving the conference made several strong arguments, but many moderates throughout the political spectrum thought that it should be right for Germany to show her peaceful intent to the world. On top of that, it was the government and foreign office who would decide such a matter. No one less than Bulow himself, who has been secretary of state for foreign affairs, made a extensive and compelling speech urging Germany to stay. He finished by stating that "Our navy is expanding at such a pace as to guarantee our safety, under no circumstances shall Imperial Germany limit its arms, unless a clear agreement is signed which signals the intentions of all great powers, including Britain, to limit the size of their fleets. " |
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| German Empire | Sep 19 2012, 05:34 AM Post #22 |
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January 1909: Following their collective programme at the 1907 elections, the Freeminded People's Party, Freeminded Union, and German People's Party have merged into the Progressive People's Party. One of the reasons why the merger has been pushed through by the parties is their general agreement - and growing idea in Germany - on the need for Germany to become a more free-trade orientated nation. The effects of this merger in this time of political instability and with an upcoming bill on inheritance tax to be put to vote in just a few months time cannot be underestimated. However vigorous debate has already started in the new party about the effects of the removal of most tariffs on imports. Considering that it is the main source of revenue for the Imperial State, and as such the army and navy it will have to be made up from somewhere else. While some debate if Germany even has the capital to allow for such a large swing in its financial policy, other insist that the nationalisation of the railways and increased contributions from the states and wealthy classes would make such a policy viable. To help the party articulate its stance on such matters it has commissioned a study at the University of Halle which is expected to be finished in slightly more than one year's time. Until then the debate within the party is expected to continue vigorously. Edited by German Empire, Sep 19 2012, 05:36 AM.
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| German Empire | Sep 26 2012, 10:42 AM Post #23 |
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September 1909: Following a note from the American Secretary of State suggesting a decrease in the tariffs currently in place, the free-trade debate has been forced into the Reichstag. The debate started with the head of the Federal Committee of Foreign Affairs outlining the gist of the notice sent by the Secretary of State, who was under the impression that the discussion which had been taking place in the nations newspapers might have an effect on the stance of the government. After the introduction it was Bulow who took the stand. It was clear that while he was still in power, he would not be for long. His Inheritance Bill was to come up for vote the next week and Wilhelm had made it clear that Bulow must succeed to push it through or lose his job. As such Bulow spoke while not considering the view of the Kaiser or any other members of the government. He insisted that while a move to free trade would certainly be beneficial to the German Economy in the long run it would transform the way the German Empire worked from the ground up. The Imperial finances could not survive without the tariffs levied on trade which would mean that the main burden of the costs of defence would have to be supplied by the states. As such he suggested that a debate be scheduled for the Bundesrat to discuss exactly what the states thought of the issue. He continued by suggesting that a policy of free trade might mitigate the tensions which have been steadily building up in the preceding decades between the lower classes of German society and the bourgeoisie and the nobility, without endangering any of the groups. However, he also added a warning to his message. Vital strategic resources such as agricultural products and armaments plants must be protected from foreign competition to ensure the safety of the German Empire. If the statesmen who were to follow him did not do such a thing it would mean that Germany would become incapable of defending itself. Something which must never be allowed to happen. After Bulow's speech various other parties commented upon what he had said and the debate in general, but all now look at the Bundesrat, who might decide a crucial transformation in national policy. |
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| German Empire | Oct 15 2012, 01:54 PM Post #24 |
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December, 1910: The Kaiser has opted to replace the Foreign Minister with Richard von Kühlmann as head of the Foreign Office. Kühlmann was born in Constantinople and spent considerable time there. He has also been in Austria for quite a time and understands the nation fairly well. Since early 1908 he was councillor of the German embassy in London, and was very active in the study of all phases of contemporary political and social life in Great Britain and even in Ireland. His diverse knowledge and likable personality will make him indispensable to what could be the beginnings of a shifting German political course. |
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| German Empire | Oct 19 2012, 12:08 AM Post #25 |
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February, 1911: The new Foreign Minister has already begun to show his worth. His valuable relations, knowledge, and time spent in the Ottoman Empire was arguably what allowed him to persuade his birth country to sign a grand commercial agreement with Germany in order to expand railroads and concessions on petroleum. He was given the Kaiser's approval and the reshuffle of German leaders has begun to look favorable upon the people and the Reichstag. |
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| German Empire | Oct 21 2012, 08:07 PM Post #26 |
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April, 1911: The German government has declined to send any sort of troops or fleets to Morocco receiving a guarantee from the French Ambassador that the forces will not impugn upon German interests or reduce them as agreed in the Algeciras Conference. Berlin will sit and watch the events unfold hoping a peaceful end can be achieved. |
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| German Empire | Oct 23 2012, 06:24 PM Post #27 |
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June, 1911: Demonstrations were not isolated to Austria after the announcement of the end of the Triple Alliance. German citizens in Berlin marched claiming their fellow Germans are stabbing the German people in the back and leaving them vulnerable. German riot police have taken to the streets to monitor the situation. Following the French announcements that the Russo-French alliance has been satisfied, many German newspapers began printing about the return of the glorious Concert of Europe. It is hoped tensions across the continent will ease and arms expenses can constrict. Edited by German Empire, Oct 23 2012, 08:14 PM.
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| German Empire | Oct 24 2012, 10:57 AM Post #28 |
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15 June, 1911: A debate has entered the Reichstag about whether or not to lower corporate and industrial taxes. The idea would be to pass piggy-back legislation requiring a minimum level of welfare for workers working in factories and businesses while encouraging major companies that already do offer some to offer more. The total cuts could amount to nearly $600 million in taxes that would be returned to the workers and stimulate additional industrial growth. |
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| German Empire | Oct 29 2012, 10:30 AM Post #29 |
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December, 1911: German officials cautiously look on at events unfolding in China. The garrison of Tsingtao is on high alert to protect German interests and citizens near the violence. |
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| German Empire | Dec 8 2012, 02:57 PM Post #30 |
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June, 1913: German flags are flying at half-mast for Arch-Duke Ferdinand's tragic passing. |
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| German Empire | Dec 14 2012, 05:41 PM Post #31 |
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July, 1913: Many far right conservatives have become increasingly unsatisfied with the Austrian government's indecisiveness. Many call turning over their foreign diplomacy and patrols of the Adriatic to the United States as a huge sign of weakness and inability to conduct its own affairs any longer. The government was compared to a blade of grass in a strong wind. Wilhelm II quickly censored most of the voices. |
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| German Empire | Dec 16 2012, 10:02 PM Post #32 |
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September, 1913: German newspapers strike again mocking the two "negotiable ultimatums" made by the Russian government. Berlin was quick to censor them.
Edited by German Empire, Jan 5 2013, 03:24 PM.
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| German Empire | Jan 5 2013, 03:25 PM Post #33 |
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January, 1914: Berlin is amused at the seemingly endless aggression emanating from the Entente nations. Seemingly their treaties are the only ones permitted to exist and they are determined to force the rest of Europe under their boots. The entrance of the Ottoman Empire to the war will provide much welcomed manpower. |
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| German Empire | Jan 13 2013, 02:10 PM Post #34 |
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March, 1914: German officials remain appalled by the imperialist goals of the Entente nations in what for Germany was a defensive status-quo war whilst her enemies seek only profit at their expense. High Command praised the offensive into Galacia which threw the Russians back a significant distance. The rapid decay and defeat of the Ottoman Empire was unnerving, and the terms placed upon them by the British Empire surely show the intentions of the crown towards vanquished parties stiffening German resolve to keep them out of more German land. |
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| German Empire | Jan 19 2013, 07:11 PM Post #35 |
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March, 1914: With a revolution becoming probable in Russia and the Western Offensive ending in what commanders deemed to be a fluke breakthrough rather than a total victory as initially believed by the public, outrage amongst pro-war factions in German politics has erupted. The decision to agree to the armistice and to promise to cede Posen to a German recognized form of the Kingdom of Poland has been seen as unnecessary and premature as well as an embarrassment to the German Empire. Calls have begun for the "March Traitors" to be removed from government. More peaceful factions praise the possibility of the end of the war. Those with family on the front and those suffering from the effects of the blockade that are beginning to become apparent are at the forefront. However this is being mitigated by the apparent possibility Russia could collapse or seek to end the war with Germany and remove the Eastern Front. Further, new trade deals have mitigated the blockade effects and the decision to accept the armistice was a controversial one made without all the information at play. |
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2:57 PM Jul 11