German Industrialisation

What is German industrialisation?

Towards the end of the 19th century Germany began building up it's factories in a process called industrialisation. By 1913 it was producing as much coal, and more iron and steel than Britain.

Which areas were industrialised in Germany?

The main industrial area was the Ruhr - an area to near the western frontier, close to the border with the Netherlands.

When did industrialisation in Germany peak?

The process of industrialisation had begun slowly earlier, but really increased in the 1890-1900s period, so that by 1913 Germany was rivalling/surpassing Britain in key industrial areas such as iron, steel and coal.

How did industrialisation affect Germany pre the First World War?

Pre-the First World War German industrialism had 6 key impacts on the German economy and politics:

• ❖ Increased production made Germany a greater rival for Britain and increased tension in the lead up to the outbreak of war.
• ❖ Increase production made Germany richer, and the Kaiser more powerful.
• ❖ The German chemical and electrical industries dominated Europe.
• ❖ Industrialisation made more Germans move to towns and close to the factories, this concentration of workers led to the formation of trade unions.
• ❖ The German workers were becoming more unhappy with their low wages and poor working conditions leading to strikes to try to persuade the Kaiser to improve conditions.
• ❖ The old German elite became nervous as increasing support came for parties such as the SPD and there was a rise in socialism - they feared that they would lose influence with the Kaiser.

What about German industrialisation in Weimar?

Industrialisation was important in Weimar Germany as the key source of income besides foreign loans. The failure of Germany to pay reparations in 1923, led to France and Belgium troops invading and seizing the Ruhr area and industrial production.