1. As industry spread in the Second Industrial Revolution, the British and German governments initiated reforms to improve workers’ lives. What motivated Bismarck to enact reforms in Germany? What kinds of reforms were enacted in Germany and Britain?
Can someone give me information that answers these questions? I'm especially stuck on what motivated Bismarck. My textbook does not make it clear what motivated Bismarck. And trust me, I've read my book MANY times. Nothing different. Please help me!
These sites should help.
http://www.age-of-the-sage.org/historical/biography/otto_von_bismarck.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_von_Bismarck
Could you summarize that for me please?
Bismark foreign policy was a success because German international affairs was promted
To understand what motivated Bismarck to enact reforms in Germany during the Second Industrial Revolution, we can look at the context of the time and the challenges that Germany faced.
During this period, industrialization brought about significant social and economic changes. Rapid industrial growth led to overcrowded cities, long working hours, low wages, poor living conditions, and social unrest. These conditions created a need for reforms to address the socio-economic issues and improve workers' lives.
Bismarck, known as Otto von Bismarck, was the Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890 and a key figure in German unification. He recognized that the social and economic problems resulting from industrialization posed a threat to the stability of the German Empire. Bismarck sought to avoid worker uprisings and the potential spread of socialist ideas, which were gaining popularity at the time. His main motivation, therefore, was the maintenance of social stability and the preservation of the existing political order.
To achieve these goals, Bismarck implemented a series of reforms known as the "Bismarckian welfare state." These reforms aimed to provide social security benefits and curb support for socialist movements. Some of the major reforms enacted in Germany were:
1. The Health Insurance Act (1883): This was the first compulsory health insurance system in the world, providing medical care and sick pay for workers.
2. The Accident Insurance Act (1884): This legislation provided protection and financial compensation for workers injured on the job.
3. The Old Age and Disability Insurance Act (1889): This act introduced a pension system for retired and disabled workers, ensuring they had income security in their later years.
These reforms laid the foundation for modern social welfare systems. Bismarck's motivation for implementing these measures was to maintain social order, prevent the rise of socialism, and address the challenges brought about by industrialization.
In comparison, Britain also witnessed significant reform efforts during the Second Industrial Revolution. The British government, too, recognized the need for social reforms to address the consequences of industrialization. Some of the reforms enacted in Britain included:
1. Factory Acts: These acts introduced regulations to improve working conditions, limit working hours, and protect children from exploitation in factories.
2. Public Health Acts: These acts aimed to improve sanitation, provide clean drinking water, and prevent the spread of diseases in urban areas.
3. Trade Union Act (1871): This act legalized trade unions and provided workers with the right to organize and collectively bargain for better working conditions and wages.
The motivations behind British reforms were similar to those in Germany – to address social problems caused by industrialization and improve the living and working conditions of the population.
It's important to note that while Bismarck's reforms were influential in establishing social security systems, they were not driven solely by humanitarian concerns. Bismarck's primary goal was to maintain social and political stability, while also undermining the support for socialist movements. Understanding the historical context can help provide insights into the motivations behind these reforms.