The new nation state of Germany was successful in establishing a constitution, which not only provided a democratic system of government, but also guaranteed the freedom of individual states.

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History Essay

        The success of the new nation state was limited, mainly in economic terms, which was still in need of development to maintain its power and prestige in order to tackle political opposition from within the country.  Such an ambition to eradicate any hostility harbouring internally would demand the establishment of an effective constitution, which would curb the growing threat of both the Kulterkampf and Socialism.  In addition to this, many influential members had growing aspirations for an aggressive foreign policy, which would safeguard the country.  However, such a desire could prove too much of a challenge for Bismarck.

        The new nation state of Germany was successful in establishing a constitution, which not only provided a democratic system of government, but also guaranteed the freedom of individual states.  The federal government was made up of 25 states of which Prussia could appoint up to 17 members.  The capital city of the new Germany was Berlin.  The Emperor was the Kaiser who was in charge of not only the armed forces, but also of designating a chancellor to whom held a lot of responsibilities.  He attained executive power and initiated legislation.  Bismarck had succeeded where Liberals had failed as he assembled the Reichstag, which was elected by universal suffrage, but in reality, its 382 members had no control over the chancellor and most power lay with the Emperor.  Its deputies never became ministers.  The Bundesrat was composed by representatives of the various states and was dominated by Prussia, which gave them power to veto constitutional change by 14 votes.  Furthermore, Bismarck gave Federal State governments an active role in making decisions about Trade, Banking and Education as this would keep them satisfied.  He had to gain support from the various political parties by forging links with them so they would back him.  However, even although extensive progress had been achieved in unifying the country, there were Germans living outside in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and in Switzerland, which could bring about unnecessary conflict in the future.  With the construction of a successful constitution, the country could operate more smoothly as it was generated by a number of members in both the Reichstag and the Bundesrat and engineered by Bismarck.  Therefore, any internal or indeed external problems could be treated successfully.

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        Bismarck was becoming increasingly aware of the threat that the Catholic Church imposed on the new state, hence his actions in trying to eradicate it.  Catholic interests were protected due to the formation of the Zentrum, which promoted social reform and Polish nationalism.  Bismarck worked with the Liberals in the 1870s partly because he needed their support in his battle with the Catholics (the Kulterkampf).  But, he was getting nowhere and feared the alliance of Catholic France and Austria against the German Empire.  The result was a series of anti-clerical measures, which restricted the authority of Bishops and dissolved ...

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