'The drive for overseas empire by the European Great Powers between 1890 and 1914 was a means of consolidating conservative rule at home.' Discuss with reference to one or more powers.

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‘The drive for overseas empire by the European Great Powers between 1890 and 1914 was a means of consolidating conservative rule at home.’ Discuss with reference to one or more powers.

From 1890 Europe began to see a change in its political spectrum. The age of authoritarian conservative rule was being challenged by a demand for socialist democracy. This was illustrated clearly in Germany between 1890 and 1914, which saw a shift in political sympathy towards the social democrats. As a result of this historians have argued that Germany’s vicious foreign policy was just a means to retain conservative hegemony at home. Nevertheless it has also been argued that Germany’s expansionist war aims were nothing to do with its domestic situation but a reaction to its ‘encirclement’ and increased remoteness. Initially this essay will look at how drive for an empire was a means of consolidating conservatism. Then the argument that Germany’s war aims were a reaction of isolationism and a desire for ‘a place in the sun’ will be analysed.

Before looking at the argument that war was a means to consolidate conservatism it is important to look at the context of the country in question. Germany in 1890 saw the end of Bismarckian rule and the introduction of William II and his hostile foreign policy. However, what was most noticeable was the industrial and economic advancements at the time. ‘Output of coal between 1880 and 1913 rose more than fourfold, even steel production had far outpaced Britain.’ The significance of this was the rise of the industrial working class and shift away from conservatism towards social democracy. ‘By 1912 the SPD had become the largest party in the Reichstag with 110 deputies.’ The problem that the old conservatives had was how to retain power. Historians have agued Germany used the drive for overseas empire to deal with this issue. This is visible not only as it was the only viable option but is also illustrated by Germany’s foreign policy actions at the time.

Firstly we will look at how war was the only plausible escape for conservative decline. It is true that the protection of the 1870 Bismarckian constitution left the crown relatively untouched throughout the growth of the SPD. Further to this William II possessed exclusive army command and the ability to declare war. Nevertheless the problem was that ‘it was not inconceivable that the Reichstag would assume these privileges too’ due to its growing mass support and the demands for political change. Therefore it can be argued that war in 1914 was the only ‘legitimate means of carrying out political conflict.’ It was believed that war ‘if waged in time offered a chance for victory, providing the Reich with the continental platform which it had failed to gain since 1912.’ Therefore the internal struggle would have be solved as done by Bismarck in the 1860’s, using elections quickly following a victorious battle to sway people back to conservatism. Conservative elites were completely unwilling to accept the need for political change due to the belief any change was for the worse resulting in action being taken for a quick war to regain control.

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To justify this war to uphold conservatism the German elites needed to gain the support of their own people. ‘The great majority wanted a Germany overwhelmingly, asserting by means of this strength a place in the sun.’ The problem was however was that the German masses wanted a glorious Germany without war or even military domination.’ However this did not fit into the conservative programme of regaling domestic control. Therefore the vast amounts of propaganda released in Germany stating the war was forced upon them it noticeable. The ruling elites persuaded the German mindset into a state that war was inevitable ...

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