He was never PM, he stayed on as Chancellor however. He was basically the best and most prominent leader of the (now dead) NLP-DRP coalition for that position. The PM, correct me if i'm mistaken, was someone from the NLP.
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The election will decide what Germany goes for in the peace deal with the various parties having different aims. I'd expect it to be the central policy of this coming election.
I think that whoever will win the next elections will also make the peace deal. So it's up to us.
I am glad to see that we aren't considered a rogue state quite as much as used to be the case.
However, this is but a farce when the religious leaders of our own country are being imprisoned for speaking their mind.
This is an insult to both god and liberty.
Let us pray that the next government will end wars external, ánd internal.
However, this is but a farce when the religious leaders of our own country are being imprisoned for speaking their mind.
This is an insult to both god and liberty.
Let us pray that the next government will end wars external, ánd internal.
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Without external wars, we'd still be talking about the Kingdom of Prussia right now.
And given the present persecution of the southern states that might have been for the better.
I was only referring to the present war with France, which must soon reach its conclusion, though.
Hurrahs indeed. The ruthless oppression, needless war and internal disharmony reaching the heights of the Reichstag would never have happened had the DFP been allowed to keep its leading role, as it was democratically elected to. I certainly hope that the supporters of the NLP, which clearly betrayed their supposed ideals during the coalition rule and the backwards conservatives will see the error of their ways. We have gained support last time, but through the NLP's dishonest dealings it was not enough. Shall we gain yet more this time?
Hear, hear. As an NLP voter at the previous election, I agree with this sentiment. The NLP betrayed its supporters; they must be ousted from government.
You speak of needless war while advocating the annexation of Austria! The DFP in its current state is far too schizophrenic to be put in change of government. The party must move back towards the radical centre and away from the radical fringe if it wishes to govern Germany again. Not for nothing did the NLP split in the first place!
You may have a point, but we'll have to see how the parties' policies alter during this closest election, I personally would no longer advocate war against the reformed Astro-Hungarian state considering our current diplomatic affairs. Besides, the war against France, an ailing power frantically seeking to assert its position, serves not Germany's interests, while a dominion extending over lands where its - German - people live should be a matter close to the heart of all who call themselves friends to the German nation.
Indeed, they did it for the comfortable position as Bismarck's lapdogs!
Yes, Yes, the liberals are fighting amongst themselves, when the conservatives have united. Excellent. *Insert emperor Palpatine image here*
Actually, wouldn't Bismarck do? ^^ Or is he not good enough anymore?
Now now we cant fight amongst are self's NLP,DRP,and KP we have a war with France even if it is coming to a conclusion we will settle this issue when the peace deals begin once they are defeated the will agree to almost anything at that point. We will settle the issue then and while i believe we should unite with the Germans of Austria doing so to soon after are unification would provoke the powers of Europe lets keep calm and focus at the task at hand.
We have men die out in the battle field lets not make them come back to a fractured government.
And lets not forget the french attacked us this is not a needless war this a war to defend are self's if France believes they can crush the Germans spirit we most show them they shall not
We have men die out in the battle field lets not make them come back to a fractured government.
And lets not forget the french attacked us this is not a needless war this a war to defend are self's if France believes they can crush the Germans spirit we most show them they shall not
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The Election of 1873
Just under four years after the unification, Germany went to the polls with the issue of the on-going war in France dominating proceedings. Conflicts over what to demand of the beaten French Empire had been the final straw that broke the back of the ruling coalition and caused the elections – the NLP in particular being breathlessly excited at the prospect of ceasing French colonies, transforming Germany into a power with global ambitions. Their conservative allies, on the other hand, wished to see Germany remain a European power and France not treated too harshly.
German Progress Party (Deutsche Forschrittspartei)
- DFP
- DFP
Political Position: Left
Ideology: Liberalism
Description: The tremendous electoral achievements of the DFP in 1869 saw the party become the largest in the Reichstag and the only party with a significant base in all parts of the Empire. However, its political isolation meant that it remained condemned to the opposition while its fellow Liberals led a right wing government. Since 1869, and especially in light of the breakdown of the relationship between the National Liberals and their conservative allies, the party leadership has made a concerted effort to shift the party to the right in order to appeal to the NLP and make future cooperation between the two liberal parties possible.
Peace with France:
Germany’s latest victory over French aggression is a proud triumph for the German nation – we cannot allow this sacrifice to mean nothing! Germany must use this opportunity that fate has presented her with to acquire a colonial Empire.
We must demand Senegal and the French territory on the Ivory Coast (the largest French territory in West Africa, and the small territory in the Southern part of West Africa).
Foreign Policy:
Britain, France, even Spain and the Netherlands have begun to rapidly seize control of those parts of the world without civilised government. If Germany does not act now she shall be left behind. On the backs of our acquisition of French colonial territories we shall pursue the expansion of our colonial Empire – rising to become a mighty, global, Empire.
In order to achieve this Germany requires the construction of a large fleet – capable of defending Germany and her new Empire from even Great Britain. In light of this newly globalised role it is imperative that Germany demand German speaking Island of Heligoland – ruled by the British and laying just off the German shore.
In Europe Germany should assert herself as both the representative of all ethnic German populations – including those living in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the continent’s hegemon. Germany shall not pursue an aggressive policy towards Austria-Hungary, but should war break out between our nations the Empire must seek to acquire the German provinces in the West of the Habsburg Empire.
Economic Policy:
The DFP supports the continuation of the NLP’s laissez faire economic policies – what they have accomplished for the German economy has been truly incredible. Low and regressive taxes, no tariffs, no state intervention in industry and encouragement of investors is the German path to economic transformation.
All National Focuses must be used to encourage capitalists at all times
Reform Policy:
Germany must continue the policies of Kulturkampf against the Ultramontanists of the Catholic Church – their will to resist shall soon be broken and this internal threat to German stability shall be defeated forever. Meanwhile our campaigns against Anti-German Slavic nationalisms on the Eastern frontier is continuing to meet with some successes and must be continued. However, the Kulturkampf is not without its issues. These issues are not that it is too severe – but that it is not wide enough! The policy of secularisation must be extended to the Protestant population – religion must be cast wholly out of the political sphere of German society!
The DFP supports a more centralised structure to the German constitution that shall allow the elected government in Berlin to be the centre of all political power in the Empire – the unelected and unaccountable governments of the various Princes and Kings must be brought into line.
The DFP supports the continuation of the Anti-Socialist Laws.
National Liberal Party (Nationalliberale Partei)
- NLP
- NLP
Political Position: Centre-Right
Ideology: National Liberalism
Description:
The ragingly chauvinistic nationalist and imperialist turn of the National Liberals since they became the dominant party of government in 1869 saw the party alienated from its traditional allies on the right. However, with the economy continuing to grow at an impressive rate and the military defeat of the French all but assured the National Liberals were riding high on a wave of confidence. Certain that they would secure another term in government and see Germany acquire the colonial Empire they craved.
Peace with France:
Germany did not begin this war; indeed she has sought nothing but peace since the unification. The world recognises this, and the world will not deny Germany what she is due – compensation for the bloodshed caused by French aggression! This is Germany’s moment where she has the opportunity to acquire a readymade colonial Empire, taking the first great step towards becoming a global Empire.
We demand Senegal, the French territory on the Ivory Coast and the entire island of Madagascar (the largest French territory in West Africa, the small territory in the Southern part of West Africa and both of the states that make up Madagascar).
Foreign Policy:
On the European continent Germany should continue to pursue the policies of the previous government – keeping France isolated and improving our relations with France and Austria-Hungary whilst maintain the alliance with Italy. Beyond Europe, our policy requires a radical rethink.
Bismarck pursued an archaic policy of deference towards the British Empire – caught in an earlier age of British domination. Germany, not Britain, is now the greatest power on earth – it would be insulting to the German people and their collective ambition if this policy of deference were to remain in place.
Germany must set out to construct the greatest navy on earth, alongside this the British are to be challenged over the island of Heligoland whilst the construction of a large German overseas Empire must begin immediately. It is Germany’s time to take her place in the sun.
Economic Policy:
There is no need to change our present economic course in the light of its continued success. Low and regressive taxes, no tariffs, no state intervention in industry and encouragement of investors is the German path to economic transformation.
All National Focuses must be used to encourage capitalists at all times
Reform Policy:
The Kulturkampf and Anti-Socialist Laws – our struggle against Anti-National elements within the German Empire is far from complete. The Ultramontanists continue to resist – but they shall soon be broken whilst the socialists are in disarray, but yet continue to attempt to organise. Relenting now will only make these opposition movements stronger than ever before – however if we continue on our present course victory is assured!
German Conservative Reich Party (Deutschekonservative Reichspartei)
- DKRP
- DKRP
Political Position: Right
Ideology: Conservatism
Description:
Now united under a single banner for the first time in a decade the Prussian based conservative movement is seeking to reverse a decline in its fortunes and bring an end to the worst excesses of National Liberal government. In particular a toning down of the Kulturkampf, the prevention of Germany becoming a colonial power and the alienation of Germany’s close friends in Britain.
Peace with France:
Germany must not seek to punish France more. France can never be entirely destroyed and such a policy would ensure that she remains a permanent enemy of the German Empire – even if she has been unable to form a coalition against Germany in this war, in the future she may well accomplish this feat (especially if the NLP’s aggressive policies continue to alienate the other Great Powers). Let us turn an old enemy into a friend.
German should support the restoration of responsible government to France through the instating of the Legitimist Monarchy under the rule of Henri, Count of Chambord. A responsible and peace loving French government might become a future friend, rather than implacable enemy of the German Empire.
Foreign Policy:
Germany’s Foreign Ministry must remain in the hands of the clearly capable Chancellor Bismarck who has led Germany to unification and then charmed the Great Powers of Europe. Alongside the placation of France Germany must aim to keep Russia, Austria-Hungary and France from forming any combination of alliances with one another – although no one power can threaten Germany, a coalition could potentially endanger her position and this must be avoided at all costs.
Germany must remain a land based European power – maintaining her close friendship with Britain and developing herself internally. Germany is a land power, it has no business wasting resources and making new enemies in the conquest of large sections of economically worthless African desert.
Economic Policy:
The relative downturn in our economic growth and the permanent existence of not insignificant levels of unemployment under the liberal economic system highlight the need for a change of course. The state should provide subsidies for militarily significant industries, and also for civilian industries in regions with high levels of unemployment. Moreover, existing German industry must be protected from foreign completion through the levying of a tariff between 5 and 10%. However industrial investments should continue to be encouraged so that our industrial boom might continue.
Reform Policy:
The policy of Kulturkampf must be moderated. The aim of the policy was supposed to be limited to the Ultramontanists who looked to the Pope, not the Kaiser as their master. Instead, under the guidance of the National Liberals the entire Catholic Church and community has become the target. Whilst we cannot abandon our opposition to the Ultramontanists, and our Germanisation of the Slavs (especially the Poles) the Kulturkampf must be deeply reformed.
Socialism, not Catholicism is a far greater threat to the German Empire and the social fabric of the German nation – the Anti-Socialist Laws must therefore remain in place.
German Centre Party (Deutsche Zentrumspartei)
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Christian Democracy / Political Catholicism
Description:
A major player in Southern Germany, the Centre Party has ambitions to become the heart of a broad opposition to the tyrannical Prussian policies pursued by Berlin – seeking to expand its support beyond the Catholic community to anti-authoritarian liberals and even the non-socialist workers’ movement.
Peace with France:
Aggression against the German nation, from without equally as from within, cannot be tolerated and France must be punished for her transgression. The Centre Party calls for the acquisition of French colonial territories in recompense for her invasion.
We must demand Senegal and the French territory on the Ivory Coast (the largest French territory in West Africa, and the small territory in the Southern part of West Africa).
Foreign Policy:
Germany should seek close relations Italy and especially with Austria-Hungary – our fellow Germanic power is both strategically vital to our national security and culturally a brother-Empire. The continued strengthening of relations with both Britain and Russia should also be pursued to assist in the isolation of France from Europe’s other Great Powers – making future invasions impossible.
We should pursue a mildly expansive colonial policy – using this as an opportunity to bring civilisation, economic advance and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the primitive peoples of Africa and Asia. It is our civilising mission.
Economic Policy:
The faceless and inhuman liberal economic course must be moderated. Although clearly successful in providing economic growth and the transformation of Germany – this model as seen the rise of tremendous inequalities and social tensions within German society. Our tax system should therefore be transformed from a regressive one in which the most desperate are compelled to pay more than the most privileged into a progressive one in which the reverse is true. State subsidies should be used to protect the collapse of industries that will leave significant numbers out of work. Let us create a human economy in Germany.
Reform Policy:
The Kulturkampf is an abomination. Here the Prussians of the North have attempted to destroy the Catholic community across the Empire – setting German against German, transforming the joy of unification into a living nightmare for 1/3 of the citizens of the Empire. Only when this tyranny is brought to an end can Germany be at peace with itself. The Centre Party calls for the complete abandonment of the Kulturkampf along with its false accusations against Catholics and ethnic minorities.
The Anti-Socialist Laws must also be revoked as another aspect of Prussian tyranny meted out by Berlin against all who oppose it. Although the Socialists are misguided in their beliefs they do not deserve this oppression – no German does!
The Centre Party seeks to create a federal system in Germany with individual states having significant power in relation to the central government – thus making it more difficult to the centre to impose any future policies upon the localities.
The Centre Party calls for social reforms in order to calm the tensions between different social classes and allow the German state to take care of its own population. The Centre Party calls for the improvement of safety regulations and the creation of a limit on the number of hours a person can work to 14 hours a day.
The Centre Party calls for ‘Acceptable Safety Regulations’ and ’14 Hour Work Day’
Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands)
- SPD
- SPD
NOTE – all votes placed in this election for the SPD will count as ½ of a vote due to the Anti-Socialist Laws
Political Position: Far Left
Ideology: Socialism
Description:
Although not allowed to place candidates up for office under an SPD party banner numerous independents have sought election using the SPD’s programme as their own. Although facing harassment by authorities these socialists have managed to provide an outlet for those in sympathy with the semi-legal SPD.
Peace with France:
Germany stands to gain nothing by acquiring further French lands. This was a defensive conflict, Germany has defended Elass-Lothringen from invasion – the conflict is therefore over. Germany should seek peace and an end to the bloodshed as soon as possible. With the Imperial regime of Bonaparte in a state of collapse support for progressive and Republican elements may be possible. A more democratic France shall be a more placid France.
Foreign Policy:
Germany should seek a foreign policy that aims to keep the Empire from becoming entangled in any foreign wars or invasions. After over a decade of warfare the German Empire and her war weary people urgently need peace. Any means of securing it for her shall be pursued.
Economic Policy:
The capitalist economic system that grows to dominate Germany and the world ever more each day is on of extreme exploitation and poverty – but also opportunity. Never before have the productive forces of Germany been so advanced, never before has this nation had the ability to provide good living conditions for its entire people, but never before has she been so unequal.
Germany must institute a heavily progressive tax regime in which the wealthiest sections of society provide significantly more than the poorest. The state may take control of mismanaged industries to ensure that people do not go out of work.
Our ultimate goal is the destruction of the iron law of wages by doing away with the system of wage labour, to abolish exploitation of every kind, and to extinguish all social and political inequality.
Reform Policy:
Let us create a free and socialist society.
We call for universal suffrage at all levels of government – from the local Landtags of the individual states (where weighted suffrage is presently the norm) upwards. We call for total freedom of association and of speech and the right to freely organise in trade unions. The oppressive Kulturkampf must be brought to an immediate end, relieving Catholic and minority communities from Prussian tyranny. Likewise, the Anti-Socialist Laws should be totally overturned.
We also call for a 12 hour day, improved safety regulations in the work place, improvements to healthcare provisions, improved pension allowances and a higher minimum wage.
A ’12 Hour Working Day’, ‘Acceptable Safety Regulations’, ‘Acceptable Health Care’, ‘Acceptable Pensions’ and an ‘Acceptable Minimum Wage’.
All reader must either vote for:
DFP
NLP
DKRP
DZP
SPD
NOTE – All votes for the SPD count as ½ a vote due to the Anti-Socialist Laws
! 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.
In their rush to gain government it seems the DFP have abandoned their principles just as the NLP did. I cast my ballot for the DZP.
Once again the DKRP earn my vote, the liberal parties trying to humiliate France, further creating a rift between the two nations; Friendships must be created, alliances must be established.
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