The Struggle for Power in Germany and Russia: The Rise of Political Parties and Dissent Movements

Summary

This article discusses the political struggles and various challenges faced by the German Empire in the 1870s and the Russian society at the turn of the century. It highlights the expansion of the Reich’s administration, economic struggles, dependence on foreign grain imports, and issues surrounding civil liberties and free trade during Bismarck’s reign. It further details the rise of the Social Democratic Party, the Catholic Centre Party, and the National Liberals in the German Empire’s political scene. The article also delves into the tensions between the legislature and the Prussian Army, leading to Bismarck’s resignation. Moreover, it highlights the emergence of the Russian intelligentsia, their struggles, and the various societal movements and ideologies that emerged. The article shows that political parties and dissent movements played significant roles in shaping both countries’ political and societal landscape.

Table of Contents

• The Political Climate of the German Empire
• The Rise of Political Parties and Tensions in Germany
• The Emergence of the Russian Intelligentsia
• Societal Movements and Ideologies in Russia
• The Significance of Political Parties and Dissent Movements

Q&A

1. Q1: What were the significant challenges faced by the German Empire in the 1870s?

The German Empire endured several challenges in the 1870s such as an expanding administration, economic struggles, dependence on foreign grain imports, and issues surrounding civil liberties and free trade. Bismarck’s efforts to address these issues through the Kulturkampf and inviting the National Liberals to join the government failed to have the desired effect.

2. Q2: What was the significance of the rise of the Social Democratic Party and the Catholic Centre Party in Germany’s political scene?

The rise of the Social Democratic Party and the Catholic Centre Party in Germany’s political scene was a significance of the changing social and political landscape of Germany. With more peasants and workers voting, these parties saw a rise in their votes. It also marked a decline in the National Liberals’ vote, who were opposed to tariff protection- an issue that concerned industrialists and landowners.

3. Q3: What tensions existed between the legislature and the Prussian Army in Germany?

The Prussian Army’s independence from the legislature led to tensions, and clashes further led Bismarck to dissolve the Reichstag in 1887. The issue remained unresolved, which later contributed to Bismarck’s resignation.

4. Q4: Who were the Russian intelligentsia and how did they emerge?

The Russian intelligentsia were a new social group that emerged in the 1870s, initially drawn from the nobility, but gradually included people of less defined social origins due to the expansion of professional classes, universities, and the secondary school system. As student demands for better education increased, a reaction set in, leading to a rise in political discussion and calls for revolutionary action.

5. Q5: What were the key elements of Nikolai Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky’s novel, “What is to be Done?”

Nikolai Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky’s novel “What is to be Done?” called for a society based on producer cooperatives and the use of the peasant commune as a basis for a new society to bypass capitalism and industrialism. Chernyshevsky’s ideas continued to influence and inspire Russian radicals, leading to various societal movements, including the Populist movement.

6. Q6: What are the significant societal movements and ideologies that emerged in Russia?

Various societal movements and ideologies emerged in Russia, including the Populist movement, which aimed to use the peasantry as the base of a revolutionary movement. Other movements such as Land and Liberty and the narodniki aimed to use terrorist acts to destabilize and disorganize the state.

Conclusion

The struggles and challenges faced by the German Empire and the Russian society at the turn of the century highlighted the significance of political parties and dissent movements in shaping these countries’ political and societal landscape. In Germany, the rise of the Social Democratic Party and the Catholic Centre Party marked a change in political preference, while the tensions between the legislature and the Prussian Army led to Bismarck’s resignation. In Russia, the emergence of the Russian intelligentsia and various societal movements showed a growing dissatisfaction with the government and an aspiration towards change, with different groups promoting their own ideas and ideology. These events demonstrate the complexity of achieving political stability and the importance of addressing the social and economic issues that affect society’s political views.