What was the biggest problem facing the Second Reich?

What was the biggest problem facing the Second Reich?

1. Demand for social reform from socialists

   • SPD had growing support
   • Reforms to please socialists - seen as threat

2. Demand for constitutional reform

   • Ruling classes remained in charge
     • Daily Telegraph Affair
     • Zabern Affair
     • Prussian voting system
   • SPD growth did not equal power

3. Tensions over demands for more aggressive foreign policy

   • Few opportunities to expand as territory taken by other powers
   • SPD against due to need for social reform
   • Herero Uprising
   • SPD voted for 1913 Army Bill for patriotism
   • Socialists and Catholic opposed to colonialism

4. Demand for more power by Centre Party

   • Resented treatment by Bulow
   • Voted to cause disharmony

5. Fragmentation and radicalisation of right wing politics

   • Groups wanted to protect own interests
   • Middle class groups
   • Nationalist groups
     • Anti-socialist, radicalised politics
   • Anti-semitism