Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Social change in…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Social change in Germany and West Germany: Changes in class structure and prosperity, 1871–1990: the growth of the urban working class, the artisan tradition and its impact, the slow decline of the land-owning elite and the peasantry, the rise of the white collar workers (key developments: Bismarck's introduction of pensions and health insurance in the 1880s, social mobility after the Second World War).
Between 1871 and 1990, Germany's class structure transformed.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between 1871 and 1990, Germany's class structure transformed. Industrialisation swelled the urban working class, while the artisan tradition persisted, shaping workers' identities and politics. The land-owning elite (Junkers) and peasantry slowly declined as agriculture's share of the economy fell. White-collar workers (Angestellte) grew with the service sector. Bismarck's 1880s welfare reforms—pensions and health insurance—mitigated working-class hardship and set a precedent for state intervention. After the Second World War, social mobility increased, especially in West Germany, through education and economic growth. These changes altered prosperity, social relations, and political allegiances, though regional and gender inequalities remained.
What earns the marks
- Explains the growth of the urban working class due to industrialisation and urbanisation, and its impact on German society and politics.
- Analyses the artisan tradition and its impact, including resistance to industrialisation and the role of guilds and small workshops.
- Assesses the slow decline of the land-owning elite and the peasantry, noting their loss of economic and political influence.
- Describes the rise of white-collar workers, their distinct social status, and their role in the expanding service sector.
- Evaluates the significance of Bismarck's welfare reforms (pensions and health insurance) in shaping class relations and state welfare.
- Examines social mobility after the Second World War, particularly in West Germany, and its limits.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the working class was homogeneous.
Put it right: It was divided by skill, religion, and region, with artisans distinct from factory workers.
Overstating the speed of decline of the land-owning elite.
Put it right: They retained political influence in the German Empire and beyond, especially in Prussia.
Ignoring the limitations of post-war social mobility.
Put it right: Class barriers persisted, and women and migrants often faced restricted opportunities.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples, such as the Junkers in Prussia or the growth of Angestellte in the 1920s, to illustrate class changes.
- Link economic developments to social structure, for example how industrialisation created new classes.
- Consider continuity as well as change, such as the persistence of the artisan tradition into the twentieth century.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Social change in Germany and West Germany: Changes in class structure and prosperity, 1871–1990: the growth of the urban working class, the artisan tradition and its impact, the slow decline of the land-owning elite and the peasantry, the rise of the white collar workers (key developments: Bismarck's introduction of pensions and health insurance in the 1880s, social mobility after the Second World War). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which social group grew most rapidly in Germany as industrialisation advanced after 1871?
Listen
Between 1871 and 1990, Germany's class structure transformed. Industrialisation swelled the urban working class, while the artisan tradition persisted, shaping workers' identities and politics. The land-owning elite (Junkers) and peasantry slowly declined as agriculture's share of the economy fell. White-collar workers (Angestellte) grew with the service sector. Bismarck's 1880s welfare reforms—pensions and health insurance—mitigated working-class hardship and set a precedent for state intervention. After the Second World War, social mobility increased, especially in West Germany, through education and economic growth. These changes altered prosperity, social relations, and political allegiances, though regional and gender inequalities remained. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the growth of the urban working class due to industrialisation and urbanisation, and its impact on German society and politics. Analyses the artisan tradition and its impact, including resistance to industrialisation and the role of guilds and small workshops. Assesses the slow decline of the land-owning elite and the peasantry, noting their loss of economic and political influence. Describes the rise of white-collar workers, their distinct social status, and their role in the expanding service sector. A common slip: Assuming the working class was homogeneous. Instead, it was divided by skill, religion, and region, with artisans distinct from factory workers. Exam tip: Use specific examples, such as the Junkers in Prussia or the growth of Angestellte in the 1920s, to illustrate class changes.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
urban working class
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artisan tradition
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white-collar workers (Angestellte)
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Bismarck's welfare reforms
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See every definition
- urban working class
- The group that grew with industrialisation and urbanisation, and whose growth affected German society and politics.
- artisan tradition
- A tradition that persisted and shaped workers' identities and politics, involving resistance to industrialisation and the role of guilds and small workshops.
- white-collar workers (Angestellte)
- A group that grew with the service sector and had a distinct social status.
- Bismarck's welfare reforms
- The introduction of pensions and health insurance in the 1880s, which mitigated working-class hardship and set a precedent for state intervention.
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Test your understanding of Paper 3, Option 37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited - 1 Social change in Germany and West Germany: Changes in class structure and prosperity, 1871–1990: the growth of the urban working class, the artisan tradition and its impact, the slow decline of the land-owning elite and the peasantry, the rise of the white collar workers (key developments: Bismarck's introduction of pensions and health insurance in the 1880s, social mobility after the Second World War).
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