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Both the liberals and the conservatives have proven themselves to be pragmatic opportunists. And the Kaiser has opposed the elected government quite severely.
Still, it could have been far worse and I do believe that Germany is the better due to this administration.

It is a true pity that the radicalization of the misguided socialist movement caused civil strive.. This should not have happened.
Perhaps come next election we will finally be able to repeal these repressive anti-socialist laws, though I am not certain all of the Centre would support it wholeheartedly.
 
Both the liberals and the conservatives have proven themselves to be pragmatic opportunists. And the Kaiser has opposed the elected government quite severely.
Still, it could have been far worse and I do believe that Germany is the better due to this administration.

It is a true pity that the radicalization of the misguided socialist movement caused civil strive.. This should not have happened.
Perhaps come next election we will finally be able to repeal these repressive anti-socialist laws, though I am not certain all of the Centre would support it wholeheartedly.
Repeal the anti-socialist laws and come next election there will be masses of the proletariat voting for the revolutionaries. You preach heresy, and must burn! :>
 
Repeal the anti-socialist laws and come next election there will be masses of the proletariat voting for the revolutionaries. You preach heresy, and must burn! :>

Good sir, I preach the true word of God and his church.

However, it is true. I would rather have this proletariat voting than fighting on the streets!
 
Great update, can't wait for tomorrow. Keep up the great work!
 
These socialist ruffians will be the downfall of Germany! Thank God Kulturkampf is at an end or the entire state might have toppled!

Also very funny how the Napoleon III loyalists were in Paris and the radicals were in Bordauex

The Republican France/Austrian Hapsburg alliance is even wackier than the historical French/Russian one but I suppose it makes sense as an anti-German measure. I guess the future of Europe depends on how Russia behaves in the east.
 
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I think Germany needs another healthy dose of Bismarck.
 
The Election of 1878

With the emergence of the fissures in German politics over the treatment of the Socialist movement the government of Chancellor Windthorst had fallen to a slow but inevitable demise over 1877 as first the Progress Party abandoned his coalition to form an alternate, united liberal, grouping in the Reichstag and later the Conservatives withdrew their support – thus forcing an election in January 1878. The three main parties of the Reichstag – the Centre, the LVP and the DKRP – all entered the new year with realistic hopes of being shot to power through electoral success.

German Centre Party (Deutsche Zentrumspartei)
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party



Political Position: Centre

Ideology: Christian Democracy / Political Catholicism

Party Leader: Ludwig Windthorst

Having been an important political figure and opponent of Prussian influence in the Kingdom of Hannover right up to the annexation of the Kingdom by Prussia in 1863, and the formation of the North German Federation Ludwig Windthorst was quick to organise around Catholic political factions within North Germany. After the unification of 1869 he became the most prominent member of the newly formed Centre Party that fought for the rights of the Catholic community, and for democratic institutions within Germany. Electoral triumph in late 1873 allowed Windthorst to become Germany’s first Catholic Chancellor – in the following years he headed a DZP-DFP coalition government that eventually fell in 1877 in the face of conflict over the proper response to the Socialist movement.

Description:

After four years in government the Centre was eager for a chance to remain in power, and look to further reform German society for the better. Since its success in spreading its influence beyond the Catholic community in 1873 there were genuine hopes that the party could establish itself as Germany’s dominant political movement in the years ahead, ensuring a progressive, democratic government that respected the rights of the Church and the religiously minded of Germany.

Foreign Policy:

German foreign policy since the last war with France has been lax. The Franco-Austrian alliance must be brought to an end, only through the pursuit of friendship with Austria-Hungary can we convince Vienna that we have no ill intentions towards them and desire only peace in Europe. A strengthening of ties with Russia, Italy and Great Britain is in order to ensure that the numbers of Germany’s enemies in Europe do not grow. Meanwhile, in Africa Germany cannot face both France and Spain at once in headlong collisions. A breakdown in relations with Spain will only drive them into the French camp, potentially giving the French the confidence to cause a general European War, a conflict that can only bring suffering to the German people. Instead we should seek conciliation with Spain and an agreement over borders in East Africa. On the other hand, the French must be stood up to – without Spain as an ally their weakness and petulant nature shall be revealed to the world and allow for both Gabon and Somalia be established as German colonial possessions.


Economic Policy:

Our present economic course has thus far shielded Germany from the worldwide economic downturn. Our growth rate is twice that of the other major mature industrial economies in Britain, the USA and France – the wisdom of our limitedly interventionist policies are clear for all to see. The driving force behind growth remains the investing class of industrialists, but in times of hardship such as this the support of state investment is most useful. We should also seek the implementation of a progressive taxation system, continuing on from the progress made in 1874 when the Centre Party was able to secure a flat tax rate.

Reforms:

The lessons of the General Strike are clear – the oppression of the state and the suppression of the democratic impulse of the German people, of all social classes and communities, can lead only to violence. Let the arguments of the Socialists stand up in the open, where they can be defeated by reason. It is clear that of the many hundreds of thousands who went in strike in February of this past year the majority where not ardent Marxists committed to revolution, but democrats in sympathy with the desire for freedom. If we repeal the Anti-Socialist Laws these people will be attracted to democratic and German forces, not to the Socialists. Let the laws be repealed and the injuries sustained by German society heal. If we do not the Socialist movement shall only grow more violent and more dangerous to our society.

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’.

Liberal Union of Germany (Liberale Vereinigung Deutschlands)
- LVD



Political Position: Centre-Right

Ideology: Liberalism

Party Leader: Max von Forchenbeck

Serving as Prime Minister of Prussia from 1861-1869, being the head of Prussian government at the formation of the North German Federation and being the leading founder of first the German Progress Party and later the National Liberal Party Max von Forchenbeck had impeccable credentials as the leading liberal statesman in Germany. Very much a moderate leaning member of the NLP since being shunted aside by a new leadership in 1869, the former Prussian Prime Minister returned to the limelight as the leading mover and shaker behind the unification of the DFP and NLP in 1877 into the Liberal Union of Germany.

Description:

With Germany’s liberals united for the first time in two decades there was tangible excitement in liberal circles that they might finally secure a government without the involvement of conservatives or political Catholics. Although clearly containing a diverse array of political opinion the LVD appeared unshakeably confident in the certainty of its victory in the coming elections, hoping to rally support through an aggressive colonial policy, toughness against the Socialists and a promise of a more prosperous economy the party’s own sense of destiny was palpable.

Foreign Policy:

The foreign policies of the Centre have failed. Rather than isolate France they have seen our enemy secure an ally far more threatening to Germany than backward Russia, rather than secure the friendship of our Italian allies they have alienated them through their slavish devotion to the Pope. But worse than their lack of tact has been their cowardice. Great Nations respect Greater Nations and Germany has not lived up to her role as Europe’s true hegemon. Spain cannot be negotiated with in East Africa – Madrid’s gamesmanship will quickly fall away when the prospect of war with the mighty German Army becomes apparent. The new government in Paris is not so foolish as the previous regime to believe conflict with Germany will bring anything other than pain. Strength in the face of conflicts in Africa shall see German prestige rise in Europe – revealing France’s weakness and ensuring Germany is not challenged.

Elsewhere we should expand our colonial acquisitions beyond Africa and seek a new colony in either Asia or the Middle East, through the force of arms if necessary.

Economic Policy:

The Centre talks of its reduced growth rate as if it is a great achievement – under the more open economy before 1874 German industry grew far faster than an average rate of 7% per year. The Centre stifles growth with its anti-investor policies and support for failing industries. Let the forces of the market allow the failed industries to be replaced by more successful ones. These policies have a proven record of securing a far higher rate of growth; comparisons with Britain, America and even France are unfair for they ignore the robustness of the German economy in comparison with these regions. German industry is under no threat from vibrant competitors – it is the vibrant competitor!

Reforms:

Make no mistake; the repeal of the Anti-Socialist Laws would be the greatest disaster to befall Germany since the Thirty Years War! The violence and revolutionism of the General Strike this past year has surely proven to any doubters the inherently violent nature of the Socialist movement. It is not a beast that can be reasoned with or combatted through the usual channels of our democracy – for by its very nature it threatens to destroy our political system, our livelihoods, our nation and our society. This is a battle that the true German people can, and will win.

Elsewhere the re-involvement of the Catholic Church in political affairs since its ‘relief’ from the Kulturkampf is troubling. Rather than restore the old measures of the Kulturkampf, let us combat religious influence in secular society through more ideological means by providing support for those elements within the Church most supportive of the idea of a national German Church. A more limited battle between the opposing cultures of nationalism and Ultramontanism is possible without flaming the passions of the early 1870s.

The Germanisation of minority communities, especially the intrinsically Anti-German Poles, must begin anew forthwith. It is clear that this aspect of the Kulturkampf was no mistake, allowing an enemy to survive within the Empire – similar in many ways to the Socialist enemy – such as Polish nationalism is a crime against the nation.

Corruption and cronyism is an endemic problem through all levels of German politics – the Socialists have identified this and use this issue to rally supporters behind their more radical policies. The Liberal Union shall stand in opposition to political corruption as a means of undercutting the Socialists and reforming the political system from within.

German Conservative Reich Party (Deutschekonservative Reichspartei)
- DKRP



Political Position: Right

Ideology: Conservatism

Party Leader: Otto von Bismarck

Otto von Bismarck was Chancellor of North Germany from 1863-1869 and then the first Chancellor of the German Empire form 1869-1873. Famed for his diplomatic skills that saw Germany seek unification and the isolation of the French Empire, the former Chancellor ruled over a glorious period in Prussian and German history. However, his growing reliance on the collapsing Conservative movement during the 1870s saw the Kaiser’s favourite fall someway from his 1860s heyday. None the less he is certain that he can restore peace to Germany internally and improve Germany’s international position.

Description:

The post-unification period had not been kind to German Conservatism. Since being the dominant force in the North German Federation Conservatives, even united under the banner of the DKRP, had fallen to such an extent that even the suppressed Socialist movement’s sympathisers threatened to surpass the DKRP in the Reichstag. Closely aligned to the traditional aristocracy, as well as a section of heavy industry the party of tradition and order hoped that now was the time for it to strike back and reclaim power.

Foreign Policy:

The Foreign Ministry must be returned to the control of Bismarck, his expert handling of the Ministry served Germany in the past and it shall serve her again today. The jingoistic egoism of the Liberals must be combatted, lest Germany line up an entire continent against her in a war she cannot hope to win. Our primary objectives must be the pursuit of as close a friendship as possible with the Russians, an alliance would be preferable, the continued friendship of the British and the breakup of the Franco-Austrian alliance. In Africa Germany has made the plunge into overseas Imperialism, something which cannot now be reversed. However, Germany cannot risk a European war over some pitiful colonial lands, yet neither can we allow ourselves to be browbeaten by inferior powers. The task at hand is to know when to stand up to our opponents and when to back down, these situations must be handled on an individual basis as they come.

Economy:

The worldwide economic downturn and the rise of newly industrialising economies in Italy and Austria-Hungary, which will likely soon be joined by Russia, Spain and Japan leave the German economy under threat if we continue to pursue such a liberal economic policy. A 5% tariff on imported goods, state support for struggling industry and even the provision of state funds to investors in industry shall protect Germany from the harshness of the downturn and allow our economy to continue to flourish.


Reforms:

It has become clear that the one true enemy of the German nation existent within our borders is the Socialist menace. The repeal of the Anti-Socialist Laws would be a travesty, opening the way for a mass movement that would sweep away the world as we know it. The Laws must remain in force.

Whilst the Kulturkampf can now be seen to have been a destructive policy, challenging the loyalties of Germany’s Catholics to an unnecessary degree, the policy of Germanisation of minorities was not a mistake by any means and must be resumed.

The reason that German workers are attracted to self-destructive ideas such as Socialism is their lack of security. Left insecure men are liable to turn to the most extreme of solutions to their problems. We must therefore forge a strong security net so that fewer are attracted to the ideals of the Socialists. The DKRP supports improved safety regulations, higher pensions and unemployment subsidies.

The DKRP would enact ‘Acceptable Pensions’, Acceptable Safety Regulations and ‘Extended Unemployment Subsides’.

Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands)
- 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

Party Leader: August Bebel

Along with Wilhelm Liebknecht, Bebel is the most renown and respected Socialist leaders since the imprisonment (and subsequent death in custody) of Ferdinand Lassalle during the General Strike a year before. A beacon against those in the Party who wished to find an accommodation with the regime, as well as against the violent revolutionaries Bebel supports a consistently Marxist position advocating that the party remain true to its principles – seeking to challenge the regime at the head of broad labour movement.

Description:
The years of semi-illegality since the unification had been hard on the SPD. Although impressive polling in 1873 and the scale of the support for their General Strike in 1877 proved that the Party had a great deal of reach and support in society the day to day workings of the party were made hopelessly difficult by state oppression whilst large sections of its membership either lay in jail or had ended up dead following conflagrations with the authorities. None the less the SPD continued to commit itself to the pursuit of democracy in Germany.

Foreign Policy:

The Social Democratic Party desires no foreign wars or colonial excursions that will cost the lives of Germans and workingmen the world over. However, neither shall she accept the loss of sovereign German lands.

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.

Reforms:

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:

DZP

LVD

DKRP

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.
 
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I, of course, vote once again for the Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP). And gladly too!

Our party has proven its ability to govern over the past few years, but we must seek a renewed mandate.
For a new government! One without the warlike, repressive liberals.

The conservatives now call for social reform as well. This is welcome news. For though we may disagree on the exact nature of some of these measures, it promises that a broad coalition of the good and willing will win the day!
 
LVD For German control of Europe!
 
DKRP, for peace and order!