The Election of 1861
The emergence of the organised liberal DFP there seemed to be tangible hopes amongst progressives in Prussia that the conservatives that had ruled for so long might be replaced with a reforming and pro-democratic government. However, the powerful forces of tradition and the Prussian military aristocracy stood in opposition, with the King behind them they felt confident the liberals could be held at bay.
Conservative Party (Konservative Partei)
- KP
Political Position: Right
Description:
The Conservatives are in reality not a party but rather a loose faction backing the King and the existing order. Opposing reforms the Conservatives have no clear position on German unification with substantial elements openly opposed to unification (certainly with the Catholic South) whilst others are strongly German nationalist. However, the King has traditionally looked towards the Conservative factions for support for his government and it is from the Conservatives that the ruling Minister-President – Prince Karl Anton – is drawn.
Party Leader: No clear leader, although Prince Karl Anton and Otto von Bismarck are perhaps the most popular figures
Foreign Policy:
Prussia should pursue a sensible foreign policy aiming to totally avoid conflicts that involve more than a single major power. Any moves towards German unity must only be taken with total Prussian supremacy assured. However, Prussia shall unconditionally support members of the German Confederation against acts of foreign aggression – this included but is not limited to attempts by the Danes to integrate the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Prussia must also make motions to ensure its primacy as the leader of the German Confederations – ahead of Catholic Austria.
Military Policy:
Helmuth von Molke and Albercht von Roon have set out a plan for the reorganisation and expansion of the Prussian Army so that we might continue to field the greatest of all Europe’s armies. Funds will be direly needed for this project, invaluable to the security and prestige of the Prussian nation – the Conservatives will back the reforms without exception.
Economic Policy:
It is agricultural, not industrial or commercial power upon which a genuinely lasting economy is built. We must support our native agriculture with a minimum tariff of 10% - the funds raised from tariffs may be used to reduce the taxes on our citizens. We should use subsidies to support any valuable war industries in order to ensure independence from foreigners; such industries might be expanded to meet the increased demands of our military.
Proper education is extremely important; the Prussian state shall back the education programmes of the Lutheran Church, and involve itself in areas in which the Church is unable to step in.
With the need for economic development in the countryside and improved education the Conservatives would ensure a minimum of 3 National focuses on encouraging clergymen and railways or war industry.
Political Reform:
The Conservatives oppose any political reforms.
German Progress Party (Deutsche Forschrittspartei)
- DFP
Political Position: Left
Description:
The DFP is the first real political party in German history with a central leadership and unified platform. Supporting unification (through diplomacy or popular action) based upon a Prussian leadership and the democratisation of Prussian and German society alike, the party seeks to make a genuine liberal challenge for power for the first time since 1848.
Party Leader: Max von Forckenbeck
Foreign Policy:
Prussia must seek the unification of the German nation under her own leadership. The German people demand a nation to call their own – only Prussia has the means and political will to accomplish this feat.
Long Live Germany!
Military Policy:
The DFP will oppose any attempts to draw further much needed funds towards the army. The Prussian army may seek modernisation and reforms – but it shall not make the Prussian state its servant and leave our government with an even greater financial burden.
Economic Policy:
The DFP knows that the future of the German economy is the development of a vast and powerful industrial base – this can only be secured by the growth of a thriving entrepreneurial community and a strong work ethic amongst the German people. Moreover the party is firmly committed to free trade policies that ensure the upmost freedom for the market and Prussian industry.
We therefor commit ourselves to abolishing all tariffs on foreign goods and a maximum tax rate of 25% for the wealthiest in order to encourage investment in our industry.
The DFP will have a minimum of three national focuses encouraging capitalists and or clerks at all times.
Political Reforms:
Prussia must transform herself into a constitutional monarchy on the British model in which the elected legislature, the Landtag, maintains control of government and political supremacy. We must also seek improved freedoms of the press and of assembly whilst constraints of political parties must be removed. The Upper House shall not be reformed, in order that the King might continue to have an important role in Prussian politics – simply a less supreme role.
Democracy is the future of both Prussia and of Germany.
All reader must either vote for:
Conservative Party
DFP
! You may write the full name, shortened name or the German name of any party, so long as it is clear to me who you are voting for !
Please place your vote in a separate post or bold it within your post so it is easier for me to keep a tally.
Once again, spamming is not tolerated, you may not campaign outside this thread and I ask that you remain civil with each other.
Voting will close on Monday at 10 AM, I will post in this thread to officially close the polls and return with the results shortly later.