The Election of 1893
During the rule of the Richter government political divisions within Germany between the Liberals and the Centre (the two dominant ideological currents in the Empire) had once again sharpened. The issues of the treatment of Austria since unification, intensifying hostility over economic issues and frustration at the bellicose foreign policy of the Liberals had all acted to alienate the Centre from the Liberals.
German Progress Party (Deutsche Forschrittspartei)
- DFP
Political Position: Centre-Right
Ideology: Progressive Liberalism
Party Leader: Eugen Richter
Richter had become the first DFP Chancellor since the formation of the North German Confederation three decades previously. He led the first Liberal dominated German government since 1873 and was the only Liberal Chancellor since unification. Although having failed to secure the reform programme he had desired – the need to cooperate with the Conservatives making any reforms difficult – Richter had enjoyed a relatively successful time in office, seeing the colonial lobby swoon in excitement at his annexations in East Africa and China. Having risen to become the political leader of secular, non-Socialist, Germany Richter had every intension of becoming the first Chancellor since unification to secure consecutive terms in office.
Description:
Just a decade since the reconstitution of the Progress Party and the DFP had risen to become one of two dominant political formations in Germany. Although driven towards the right yet again by a breakdown of relations with the Centre the Party continues to enthusiastically preach the creed of reform, democracy, laicism, nationalism and imperialism.
Foreign Policy:
Over the issue of the Moroccan Crisis Germany cannot afford to flinch. Should Portugal deploy troops to Morocco Germany shall blockade Lisbon and Porto, and send men to defend Morocco from Portuguese invasion. Should Spain support their neighbour we must make clear our purely defensive intensions and attempt to find a peaceful solution that avoids a widening of the conflict. But Morocco shall remain under German protection!
Beyond this, we have been lax in our foreign relations. We must seek much closer relations with Britain, Russia and even the rising power of Japan. These three states represent the key to our international position. So long as at least two of the three are not openly hostile to Germany we can feel wholly secure from the machinations of the Mediterranean Empires. Overseas we should continue to search for routes for the expansion of the German Empire, without becoming involved in wider conflicts in Europe.
Economic Policy:
The potential of laissez faire is clear for all to see. Unrestrained by the interference of the state the German economy is capable of moving mountains; however, our growth is crippled by the malevolent figure of the Socialist-Centrist social programme. The Progress Party demands the reduction of the minimum wage and of unemployment subsidies. The continued rolling back of these limits shall allow for growth to reach to heights and reinforce Germany’s economic domination of the continent.
The DFP aims to establish ‘Trinket Unemployment Subsidies’ and ‘Trinket Minimum Wage’
Reforms:
In Austria we should aim to bring the military occupation to an end. This shall be accomplished gradually with normal civilian government to be fully and totally resumed by 1896 at the latest.
The Progress Party continues to support the democratic reform of all levels of the German government – seeking universal suffrage and transparency at all levels of government.
German Centre Party (Deutsche Zentrumspartei)
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Christian Democracy / Political Catholicism
Party Leader: Georg von Hertling
Not yet 40, Hertling was meant to provide an injection of youth into the Centre Party and energize its South German Catholic base of support. Whereas Windthorst had been a Hannoverian, Hertling was a proud Bavarian – until very recently stills serving the Regency of Bavaria as Minister-President. Like many Catholics, Hertling had been swept into politics by the excitement caused by the Centre Party’s nation successes during the 1870s and 1880s – seeing a golden opportunity to bring good Christian government to Germany. Now preparing to fight his first election, his continued position at the head of the party will be largely dependent on his success or failure in getting the Centre back into government.
Description:
Despite seeing its vote fall dramatically between the 1883 and 1887 elections the Centre continues to act as a domineering force in German politics – comparable only to the Progress Party in its mass and nationwide appeal. Since unification the Centre had won every second election, the Party was hopeful that this trend would continue and 1893 would see the DZP back in government.
Foreign Policy:
The prospect of a ‘Great War’ over the Sultanate of Morocco is frankly ludicrous. Whilst Portuguese attempts to subvert the legal government of Morocco are clearly entirely unjust we cannot allow the situation to escalate. Should Portugal invade then Germany shall wage a limited war in Morocco itself. If Spain moves to enter the conflict than an immediate peaceful solution must be sought. Germany simply cannot allow the Moroccan Crisis to grow any further.
Internationally the Liberals have seen Germany’s position decline further than ever could have been imagined. Tireless efforts must be made to rebuild our relationship with Spain, France and Italy so that they might not tighten their collaboration together and threaten to form an Anti-German Block. Our positive relations with Britain and Russia must be further strengthened – Germany should seek an open alliance with at least one of these powers. Germany should seek no further expansions to her colonial Empire. Instead Germany should refocus itself in support for the oppressed peoples of the Balkans. Here we might make common cause with the Russians, and even the British – whose Greek and Egyptian allies are fierce enemies of the Turks.
Economic Policy:
It is no coincidence that Germany’s worst growth rates since unification have come just as the Liberals have enforced their ‘laissez faire’ economic policies on the Empire. Factory closures, regressive taxation, unimpressive levels of industrial investment and assaults upon social welfare. These are the hallmarks of economic Liberalism. They must be opposed. The Centre Party calls for a progressive tax regime in which it is the wealthiest, not the poorest, who face the heaviest economic burden. The state must all support private investment in order to stimulate German industry into growth once again after the dark Liberal years.
Reforms:
The DZP demands a complete end to the military occupation of Austria at once and the restoration of civilian government. The Party also demands the release of all political prisoners arrested in Austria between the unification in 1887 and today. Germany’s Liberals have clearly failed to learn the lessons of the Kulturkampf and instead attempt to institute a farcical imitation in Austria. They failed in the 1870s and they shall fail in the 1890s!
Liberal assaults on the system of social welfare are a severe danger to the stability of German society. The security provided to the working classes by these reforms have been an invaluable moderating influence on those parts of the German population most at risk of falling to the siren calls of the Socialists. They are the shield of German society against chaos. They must be defended. The Centre Party aims to restore the previous level of unemployment subsidy, moreover our system of healthcare must be improved joint investments by the state and religious institutions shall facilitate a major expansion in health care provision across Germany.
The Centre Party supports ‘Extended Unemployment Subsidies’ and ‘Acceptable Health Care’
German Conservative Reich Party (Deutschekonservative Reichspartei)
- DKRP
Political Position: Hard Right
Ideology: Conservatism
Party Leader: Leo von Caprivi
After entering the Prussian Army in 1849 Caprivi fought in three separate wars with the French through the 1860-70s during which Germany was formed before retiring after the Austrian War and entering politics. After the forced retirement of Bismarck, Caprivi was chosen to become the new figurehead of German Conservatism in 1888. Leading the Conservatives into coalition with the Liberals Caprivi hoped to keep the DKRP open to alliance with either Liberals or Centrists – thus potentially turning the party into the most powerful force in the Reichstag once more by towing the line between the two opposing camps.
Description:
The stormy life of German Conservatism since the unification was now due to experience its first election since Bismarck, whilst many were hopeful that relieved of the tired old curmudgeon the party might witness a major revival others were fearful of the future. Either way 1893 was set to be a major test of the DKRP’s political future.
Foreign Affairs:
The Moroccan Crisis presents the deeply concerning prospect of escalation towards war with at least Portugal and potentially even Spain and Italy. However, it is absolutely clear that these forces cannot present any serious threat to Germany. Italy was defeated in nine weeks just a few years ago and Spain is if anything weaker than Italy. These nations offer no threat to Germany; the Empire shall not be intimidated by them.
Internationally the key to any potential threat to German hegemony in Europe is Russia. No Anti-German coalition on the continent can realistically threaten German power without Russian involvement. With Russia’s pacts with Spain and more recently Italy the prospect of Germany’s enemies luring the Tsar into a war with Germany is greatly heightened. We must move to severe the links between Russia and Germany’s enemies at all costs.
Economic Policy:
The promise of prosperity brought about by an opening of the economy has been categorically proven to be false. The German economy is more sluggish than it has been for decades. In the past five years our economy was outpaced by the British for the first time since the 1850s. It is clear that a new course is necessary. The DKRP promotes a policy of protection and support for German industry and agriculture. Tariffs shall be a boon to agricultural production and support the finances of the state whilst at the same time leaving industry relatively unaffected – the expansion of the German colonial Empire making the importation of raw materials for production, especially beyond the regions under German influence, largely unnecessary. At the same time the state should subsidise certain struggling industries and support investors in the creation and expansion of new, modern industries. A German economic block shall lead the world.
Reforms:
The occupation of Austria should be gradually brought to an end and civilian government restored within the next few years. The threat of instability in this region, an inevitable by-product of its incorporation into the Empire, appears to be fading.
It is clear that the social security network founded by former Chancellors Bismarck and Windthorst has provided a degree of social stability amongst the classes that has shielded Germany from the explosive growth of the Socialist movement. The recent Liberal calls for an attack against this system are a threat to the tranquillity of German society. The DKRP shall therefore oppose any attempts to repeal reforms, whilst at the same time not supporting further extensions.
Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands)
- SPD
Political Position: Far Left
Ideology: Socialism
Party Leader: August Bebel
Bebel had witnessed an impressive rise, fall and then rebirth of the SPD in the years since unification. Always representing the Orthodox Marxist centre of the party against the violent revolutionists of the Left and reformist elements of the Right, Bebel had managed to maintain a Marxist leadership through the worst times of the party’s history.
Description:
The SPD was formed in the midst of the Anti-Socialist Laws in the first years after unification. Achieving an impressive 10% of the vote in 1873 the party appeared to be in terminal decline, its vote declining to a quarter of that level in just a decade. However, the repeal of the Anti-Socialist Laws and the end of open repression facilitated a rebirth – with the SPD and their allies amongst minority communities reaching over 11% of the vote for the first time in 1887. There is a sense of confidence amongst Socialists that this result can be built upon and the party grow to become one of Germany’s greatest in the 1890s.
Foreign Policy:
Morocco is not worth a general European war. Germany might stand up to Portuguese interference, but she cannot tolerate being sucked into a wider military conflict. Should Spain and Portugal threaten war, Germany must not grant it to them.
The past decades have made the German Empire appear to be a great enemy of world peace. Germany must change her course, no further expansions to the colonial Empire are to be sought, yet we must be willing to defend what we currently hold. In Europe Germany is to attempt to ease the seething tensions between Berlin and the governments of Rome, Paris, Madrid and even Constantinople. Germany’s future is that of an arbiter of peace, not as a monger of war.
Economic Policy:
The SPD continued to support the slightly ammended policies promoted in its 1884 Erfurt Programme:
‘’The collapse of the capitalist system is increasingly imminent. The economic slowdown witnessed in Britain, America, France and Russia has already spread to the German economy. It is clear that the economic situation shall continue to worsen if we remained on our present course. Surely as this crisis intensifies it shall leads to economic and social collapse. This cannot be allowed. Instead the SPD proposed the socialisation of all means of production in Germany. This shall be pursued by legalistic and democratic means – not through the use of violence or coups.
In the shorter term the SPD shall pursue the improvement in the conditions of the working class and poor. A Heavily progressive tax regime shall be support than ensures the flow of wealth towards the poorest sections of society; the state shall protect existing industries from collapse and provide investment for the construction of new – more modern industry. The Party also calls for heavy investment in the underdeveloped regions of Austria that have recently been annexed and a focus across the country in supporting a more even distribution of wealth amongst regions as well as classes.’’
Reforms:
As in its economic policy the SPD remained true to the Erfurt Programme in regards to reforms:
‘’The SPD supports the further democratisation of the German political system. 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. The Party also calls for all remaining restrictions on Trade Unions to be completely and totally removed – leaving labour free to organise as it wishes.
The SPD supports the 8 hour day, improvements in the system of healthcare through state controlled hospitals, the restoration of the previous level of unemployment subsidy and improved pensions for retiring workers.
The SPD back the ‘8 Hour Day’, ‘Acceptable Health Care’, ‘Extended Unemployment Subsidies’ and ‘Good Pensions’.’’
National Liberal Party (Nationalliberale Partei)
- NLP
Political Position: Right
Ideology: National Liberalism
Party Leader: Rudolf von Bennigsen
Bennigsen was once the power behind the throne in Bismarck’s first administration following the unification, now the National Liberal leader has seen his faction of the still powerful Liberal movement reduced to an almost subsidiary role in relation to the Progressive Liberals. Nonetheless, Bennigsen remains a fine and respected statesman with ambitions to enhance the power of both his own party and the German Liberal movement as a whole.
Description:
The debacle of Liberal unity under the LVD left the National Liberals, who were the dominant partner in the party, greatly reduced. Their poor performance in 1887 had forced them into the role of little more than a pressure group in the DFP dominated government, in many ways a humiliation. Despite failing to expand beyond North Germany and more specifically Prussia since unification the National Liberals remain a strong force in German politics, perhaps capable of making gains and once more becoming a leading force in the Empire.
Foreign Policy:
In Morocco Germany is not just threatened with the loss of a strategic ally, it is threatened with the loss of its prestige as the world’s greatest power. Backing down is simply not an option – should Portugal go to war in Morocco Germany shall respond in kind with the occupation of Lamu (a Portuguese enclave surrounded by German territory in East Africa), should Spain support the Portuguese German forces shall cross over into the Congo and if the Italians join them the Veneto and Milan shall once more know the presence of the German army. The German Empire is the greatest power on earth, she must behave as such.
Germany should also pursue the acquisition of further colonial holdings. The Persian Gulf, Ethiopia, even Ottoman North Africa all offer potential routes for further expansion. Many other European powers maintain larger colonial Empires than Germany; if she is to be respected as the world’s most powerful nation she must expand her Empire!
In Europe German opposition to France, Spain and Italy is clear. Only Russia and Britain continue to extend the hand of friendship and they shall not be rejected. However, Germany shall not be bullied by these powers and shall retain her diplomatic independence.
Economic Policy:
The National Liberal Party unconditionally supports the laissez faire economy. However, it is clear that the economy is being dangerously held back by the overbearing presence of the social reform programme. The Richter government was right to identify these reforms as the primary force holding back progress in Germany, they must be rolled back. The National Liberal Party calls for the further reduction of unemployment benefit, the reduction of the minimum wage and the abolition of the mandated maximum of hours per day that can be worked. All these reforms limit the freedoms of both employers and employed and leave our labour market restricted. Moreover the National Liberal Party calls for the reformation of the Trade Union movement, whilst Unions should not be banned entirely they must be brought under state control – this shall protect them from the influences of radicals who desire to seize control over them.
The NLP aims to establish ‘State Controlled Trade Unions’, ‘Trinket Unemployment Subsidies’, ‘Unlimited Work Day’ and ‘Trinket Minimum Wage’
Reforms:
The National Liberal Party supports the continued occupation of Austria. Unfortunately this region has become a hotbed of sedition as Socialist, Secessionist and Reactionary Habsburg influences continue to run rampant and oppose the German state and the German nation. So long as the region is so afflicted the resumption of civilian government shall prove as disastrous as the repeal of the Anti-Socialist Laws has been. Until the pacification of Austria is fully accomplished Anti-German forces are only bound to recover in the event of a withdrawal.
The National Liberal Party calls for the reintroduction of the Anti-Socialist Laws. At the dawn of the previous decade the Socialist movement in Germany had almost been defeated for good. Today they once again threaten the stability of German society. This situation is intolerable and must end!
All reader must either vote for:
DFP
DZP
DKRP
SPD
NLP
! 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.