Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Ruling the Second…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Ruling the Second Reich, 1871–79: Attempts to consolidate the new Germany: Bismarck’s break with, the National Liberals; the Kulturkampf; the appeal to nationalism to achieve unity; the War in Sight crisis.
After unification, Bismarck sought to consolidate the new German Empire.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After unification, Bismarck sought to consolidate the new German Empire. He initially cooperated with the National Liberals on reforms, but broke with them in 1879 when he adopted protectionist tariffs and turned to conservative allies. The Kulturkampf (1871–1878) was a struggle against the Catholic Church, aiming to reduce its influence, but it backfired by strengthening the Centre Party. Bismarck also appealed to nationalism to unify Germans, often by portraying external enemies. The War in Sight crisis of 1875, when rumours of a preventive war against France caused alarm, demonstrated Bismarck's use of foreign policy to rally support and isolate opponents. These attempts had mixed success.
What earns the marks
- Explains Bismarck's initial alliance with the National Liberals and the reasons for the break in 1879 over protectionist tariffs.
- Describes the aims and methods of the Kulturkampf, and its political consequences for the Centre Party.
- Analyses how Bismarck used an appeal to nationalism and foreign policy crises, such as the War in Sight crisis, to consolidate power.
- Assesses the effectiveness of these attempts in unifying Germany and suppressing opposition.
- Uses specific evidence, such as the May Laws or the 1879 tariff legislation, to support arguments.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the Kulturkampf succeeded in weakening the Catholic Centre Party.
Put it right: It increased Catholic resistance and the Centre Party's electoral support.
Confusing the War in Sight crisis with an actual war.
Put it right: It was a diplomatic crisis; no war occurred, but it heightened tensions.
Stating Bismarck broke with the National Liberals in 1878.
Put it right: The definitive break occurred in 1879 with the introduction of protectionist tariffs.
Exam tips
- Show how each attempt to consolidate Germany had both intended and unintended consequences.
- Use precise dates and terms, such as the May Laws of 1873 or the 1879 tariff reform.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Ruling the Second Reich, 1871–79: Attempts to consolidate the new Germany: Bismarck’s break with, the National Liberals; the Kulturkampf; the appeal to nationalism to achieve unity; the War in Sight crisis. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which group was the main target of Bismarck's Kulturkampf in the 1870s?
Listen
After unification, Bismarck sought to consolidate the new German Empire. He initially cooperated with the National Liberals on reforms, but broke with them in 1879 when he adopted protectionist tariffs and turned to conservative allies. The Kulturkampf (1871–1878) was a struggle against the Catholic Church, aiming to reduce its influence, but it backfired by strengthening the Centre Party. Bismarck also appealed to nationalism to unify Germans, often by portraying external enemies. The War in Sight crisis of 1875, when rumours of a preventive war against France caused alarm, demonstrated Bismarck's use of foreign policy to rally support and isolate opponents. These attempts had mixed success. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Bismarck's initial alliance with the National Liberals and the reasons for the break in 1879 over protectionist tariffs. Describes the aims and methods of the Kulturkampf, and its political consequences for the Centre Party. Analyses how Bismarck used an appeal to nationalism and foreign policy crises, such as the War in Sight crisis, to consolidate power. Assesses the effectiveness of these attempts in unifying Germany and suppressing opposition. A common slip: claiming the Kulturkampf succeeded in weakening the Catholic Centre Party. Instead, it increased Catholic resistance and the Centre Party's electoral support. Exam tip: Show how each attempt to consolidate Germany had both intended and unintended consequences.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Bismarck broke with the National Liberals over protectionist tariffs
- 2. The Kulturkampf struggle against the Catholic Church began
- 3. The War in Sight crisis alarmed Europe
- 4. The May Laws were introduced
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Political consolidation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Church-state conflict
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Nationalism and foreign policy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
War in Sight crisis
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Political consolidation
- Bismarck sought to consolidate the new German Empire after unification, though these attempts had mixed success.
- Church-state conflict
- The Kulturkampf was a struggle against the Catholic Church aiming to reduce its influence, but it backfired by strengthening the Centre Party.
- Nationalism and foreign policy
- Bismarck appealed to nationalism to unify Germans, often by portraying external enemies, and used foreign policy to rally support and isolate opponents.
- War in Sight crisis
- The crisis of 1875, when rumours of a preventive war against France caused alarm, demonstrated Bismarck's use of foreign policy to rally support and isolate opponents.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Ruling the Second Reich, 1871–79: Attempts to consolidate the new Germany: Bismarck’s break with, the National Liberals; the Kulturkampf; the appeal to nationalism to achieve unity; the War in Sight crisis.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge