Prussian Militarism (AQA GCSE History)

Why did Germany need a strong army after 1871? - Summary

After Germany became a unified country in 1871, it needed a strong army to protect itself and its new position in Europe. Germany was surrounded by powerful countries. France, in particular, was angry about losing land to Germany during the Franco-Prussian War, and there was a fear that it might try to get revenge. Russia was also a large country with an equally large army. Germany did not trust Russia and wanted to be prepared against her. Britain, while not directly threatening Germany on land, was cautious of Germany’s growing ambitions in Europe and overseas. A strong army would help Germany feel secure against these powerful neighbours and show that it could defend itself if necessary.

A strong army was also important to help unite the different German states under a shared sense of patriotism. Germany was made up of various states with different customs and traditions. Many people still felt more loyalty to their local region than to Germany as a whole. By building a strong military and promoting national pride, the Kaiser hoped to create a sense of loyalty to the new German nation. Patriotism was important for holding the country together and showing the world that Germany was a strong and united power in Europe.

What is militarism?

• Militarism is the belief that a country must have strong armed forces

• Many countries pursue militarism because:

  • it increases pride in their country

    • This is called patriotism

  • it employs a lot of people in:

    • The armed forces

    • The production of armaments

  • it increases the feeling of safety within a country

    • More countries pursue militarism in times of high world tensions. By the 1900s, many countries built up their armed forces in preparation for war

  • it helps the leader of a country follow an aggressive foreign policy

    • Weltpolitik needed strong armed forces to be achieved

How did Prussian militarism influence Germany?

Military impacts

• Militarism was incredibly important to Prussia

  • To persuade the other German states to unify, the Prussian Army had defeated many key countries, including France

• Prussia kept its military power after the unification

  • The Kaiser, the King of Prussia, was the Commander-in-chief of the new German Army

  • Prussian generals and officers created the united German Army

  • Prussian military tactics were followed

Political impacts

• The Junkers were wealthy landowners who had controlled the Prussian Army

• After unification, the Junkers represented Prussia in the Bundesrat

  • Prussia held 17 of the 58 seats in the Bundesrat

  • The government system stated that 14 votes were needed to block any laws from passing

    • As a result, the Junkers had an enormous influence on German politics