Sunday, February 20, 2011

Unit 8 blog/ blog 8 mass politics

How were government policies in western and central Europe impacted by mass politics during the period 1871-1914? Go Mustangs!!!
(Remember to respond to the question in 6-8 sentences (yes it can be longer) and to respond to two of your classmates answers in 4-6 sentences. Do not just agree or disagree without defending or justifying your argument.) Think above and beyond the common answers that you may see. Be sure to challenge your classmates with controversial tactics, actions or selections. Good Luck!!!! Go Mustangs!!!

27 comments:

Gardenia said...

Ordinary people felt increasing loyalty to their governments. Politicians and parties in national parliaments represented the people more responsibly as increased suffrage spread. The welfare state emerged, first in Germany, then in France and other countries. Literacy increased. Governments came to believe public education was important to provide society with well informed and responsible citizens. Otto von Bismarck was the mastermind behind the government. He established an integrated political and economic structure for Germany while dominating European diplomacy. He would bring universal male suffrage to the German empire. Female suffrage would not emerge until after world war I. Bismarck established an Imperial Bank while strengthening existing banks and he established compulsory military service. There were two German political system parties. The Catholic Party and the Democratic socialist Party. Bismarck saw the Catholic Center Party and the Democratic Socialist Party as major threats to imperial power and he set about to destroy them. He sought to limit the influence of the Catholic Party in light of Pope Pius’s declaration of papal infallibility.

clara nguyen :) said...

Government policies in western and central Europe were impacted by mass politics during 1871-1914 . An increase in suffrage and literacy in western and central European countries during the late-nineteenth century had resulted in higher expectations and demands among the people for the government to be responsive to their needs. As suffrage spread increased welfare states began to emerge throughout Europe. Western society became nationalistic as well as urban and industrial. As literacy increased, governments began to provide society with public education. Nation-states and strong minded national leaders gradually enlisted widespread support and gave men and women a greater sense of belonging. The governments were often led by conservatives who manipulated nationalism to create a sense of unity and divert its attention away from underlying class conflicts.

Brandon Sloot said...

During the Age of Mass Politics, government policies changed drastically according to the needs of the populations of the states. For example, the emergence of a mass reading policy in Europe led to more knowledgeable citizens. This new literacy and intellectuality made people feel they needed a more important voice in society. In England, Gladstone passed the Education Act in 1870, giving the government the responsibility of running England’s schools. This allowed education to be accessible to more people, with the government’s ability to put schools in places the church could not. In addition, he replaced patronage for civil service with competitive exams. In Russia, Alexander II made reforms such as the abolition of serfdom, trying to fill the gap between Russia and the other westernized European states. The newly united German state came about from Bismarck’s unification of Germany through the conservative institutions of Prussia. This new state had a bicameral legislature called the Reichstag. This satisfied the nationalistic yearnings of Germany and Bismarck. All of these political figures had to use practical, not ideal, methods to satisfy the goals of their country.

mysticgohan95 said...

During the period of 1871 to 1914 Europe faced a change in their politics. Before 1871 the European nations were more catered towards industrialization and fighting against foreign rule from the hegemony of the time, Austria. However with the rise of Germany, Austro-Hungary, and the unified Italy, the western and central countries began to change their form of politics. Both regions focused on strengthening and establishing a solid foundation. However instead of primarily working towards solidifying their nations the countries also sought to expand their influence in other regions of the world with industrialization as their base and nationalism as their drive. An example of a western country who made various reforms in the country would be Britain, their leader passed the Artisan's and Laborers' Dwellings Improvement Act in 1875 that allowed for better living conditions of the working class. Germany also focused on incorporating imperialism in Africa to further strengthen their economy and gain leverage among the European countries.

I agree with Gardenia's comments about the ordinary people having increased loyalty to their governments. During the time the various countries were making reforms beneficial to the people. Such an act exemplifying this occurrence would be the Benjamin Disraeli's Public Health Act of 1875. This reform was made in order to combat the filthy living conditions of the ordinary British workers.

I also concur with Brandon's assumption of of the European citizens having increased knowledge. Many Europeans became more intellectual and knowledgeable about literature and the political state of affairs. This was due to the Europe's attempts in making education mandatory for children ages 7 to 12 in most countries. The majority of the people were now able to read and write and some would continue in their pursuit of knowledge and go on to universities.

giggles93 said...

Politicians and political parities represented people views on policies as the right to vote (suffrage) expanded to more and more people.  In Germany (then to others later one) a welfare state came to. This new state provided many things for the citizens within their borders such as food, housing and education. Bismarck was responsible for this new kind of government in Germany. He would also do just things as making political parties stronger, complete male suffrage and an Imperial Bank, and mandatory military service. However after Pope Pius Declaration of Papal Infallibility he had his eyes on the two main political parties The Catholic Party and the Democratic Socialist Party and tired to dissolve them.

Eunice said...

Government policies in western and central Europe were greatly impacted by the mass politics during 1871-1914. This was seen especially in France and England where patriotism grew and became increasingly antiliberial, exhibiting itself in international competition of imperialism and in rising tariffs to protect national economies. The working class was becoming more vocal through unions and political parties. In Germany the main head of the government was was chancellor Von Otto Bismarck. His actions allowed for universal male suffrage and also established an integrated political and economical structure in Germany. In some places, Anti-Semitism increased. Fear of trade unions and socialists led many formely liberal thinkers to become increasingly conservative. Feminism was demanding economical and political rights for women and was very popular, but their was very little national progress for women's rights until after World War I.

Eunice said...

I agree with Clara that as literacy increased, governments began to provide society with public education. This could been seen through the Education Act in 1870 passed by England, which allowed for government to take over public schooling all around England. Also that Nation-states and strong minded national leaders gradually enlisted widespread support and gave men and women a greater sense of belonging. This was seen through the equal representation in England's House of Commons.

I agree with mysticgohan95 that many states showed that they were impacted by the mass politics through social and economic reforms. An example as mysticgohan95 mentioned was Great Britian through their reforms in public sanitation, conditions of mines and factories, and housing of the poor. I also agree that countries also sought to expand their influence in other regions of the world with industrialization as their base and nationalism as their drive. This was seen through the Scramble for Africa in which countries would try to industrialize capitals of foreign countries through imperialism in order to increase their economy income and revenue.

PeterKeo666 said...

During the Age of Mass Politics, laws were changed depending on what the state’s people desire. It consisted of realpolitik’s, politicians who try to change their government through practical means. For example, Otto Von Bismark changed a lot of policies during the time. He, a conservative, had unified Germany as well as created a legislature called the Reichstag. He led a government that increased suffrage and its German people became more literate. The increase in suffrage allowed there to be more welfare states. Also, because literacy increased, public education was more accessible.

I agree with what Brandon said where “Europe led to more knowledgeable citizens” because of the laws, for example, the Education Act in 1870 allowed there to have a more accessible education allowing the government to look over England’s students instead of the church.

I also agree with Clara’s statement about people having a higher demand of what the government should be responsible of because the people achieved more suffrage as well as education and it probably wouldn’t have happened if the population didn’t yearn for it.

Kristie Liang said...

Government policies in Europe during the age of mass politics were impacted greatly as society's loyalty and dedication to its nation grew. Many politicians used nationalism as a discreet way to unite the nation, moving away from social issues. The politicians felt obligated more than ever to stabilize its nation, socially, economically and politically. Education was highly supported by the government so it was provided to encourage and increase the rate of literate citizens. In Britain, many workers' conditions were improved as the Artisan's and Laborers' Dwellings Improvement Act of 1875 was passed. Economically, most of Europe invested its time in ideas of imperialism in areas that were considered 'uncivilized'. THe main focus at the time was on Africa, as many nations, such as Britain and Germany tried to gain raw materials and colonize for better advantages.

I agree with Brandon about Gladstone passing the Education Act in 1870 to allow government to be in charge of public education instead of church. THis would strengthen the nation and give more power to the government because it was easier to control rather than having the church having power over education. It would allow more secular ideas to grow.

I also agree with Ryan about "nations expanding their influence in other regions of the world with industrialization as their base and nationalism as their drive". As other nations start to modernize, many felt that competition was arising, so to become economically advanced, they moved toward imperialism in search of industrialization and areas to conquer. Many areas used nationalism to tie together its different units in order to move forward and expand.

Anonymous said...

How were government policies in western and central Europe impacted by mass politics during the period 1871-1914?
During the age of mass politics government policies were impacted greatly due to the needs of the people of the states. It was mainly politicians who by practical means tried changing thier governments the way they wanted it to be. People felt that they needed a more important role in the society. Gladstone passed the education act in England which made it easier and more accessible for people to get an education. People changed the government to the way they wanted it to be.

Mike Cobian said...

From 1871-1914 Government policies were very heavily effected by the age of mass politics. Wide spread sufferage to men of a certain age became a common sight in countries like England. Females would gain their rights later on in the century. In an attempt to make education more common, countries in central and western Europe made schools easier to access. This lead to a much higher percentage of the population to beable to read. Central Europe also focused on industrializing their own countries to catch up to those in the west like England.

Mike Cobian said...

I agree with Gardenia that Otto Von Bismark was a key person in Politics of Germany. He brought at many new ideas to Europe such as welfare. We was interested in things that would benifit most people, the working class, as a whole. This made him a very notable person of the age of Mass Politics.


I also agree with Jerome. The countries changed to what fit the people. They were somewhat the driving powers of the age of mass poliics. As a result of this, more common people were given a voice alongside universal sufferage.

tiffany nguyen said...

The Age of Mass Politics had politically, socially, and economically affected government policies during 1871-1914. With advances in technology like telegraphs, telephones, and radios, governments both responded to and manipulated public opinion. As a result, many of the literate and educated citizens demonstrated awareness of political issues and expected governments to reflect national interests. Despite democratic reforms such as elections, representation, and constititutions,authoritarian structures continued to play the decisive policy-making role in most states. During this time period, there was also an increase in class conflict. "Outsiders," such as women, workers, and ethnic/religious minorities, demanded inclusion in the political process while those who appealed to prejudice and fear fanned popular hatreds such as anti-Semitism and extreme nationalism. As for the economic effect, Germany became the first welfare state which eventually influenced other states like Britain and France.

bryan k said...

Western and Eastern Europe experienced mainly social and political and fewer economic changes. In England, many liberal reforms took place. Disraeli pushed for universal male suffrage and reduced governmental trade interference. Gladstone abolished taxes issued to the Church of England. In France, The New National Assembly was established with Republican Adolphe Thiers as the chief executive. A communist group known as the Paris Commune sought to bring down the New National Assembly. After the Dreyfus Affair, the Republic lost its reputation and began to compromise by issuing socialist reforms. Germany was unified by chancellor Otto von Biskmark. He created the Reichstag bicameral legislation, which consisted of the Bundestag (lower classes) and the Bundesrat (upper class). The two main political parties, the Junkers and the Socialist Democrats, had issues with compromising. Bismarck pacified the Socialist Democrats in order to maintain the conservative politics. Russia's defeat in the Crimean War led to modernization and negative responses to industrialization with the use of Marxism. Europe experienced liberal changes in government.

Peter's comment on Realpolitik is accurate because the political leaders during the Age of Mass Politics transitioned from Romantic thought to a realistic style of thinking.

Kristy mentioned imperialism as a means to civilize foreign countries. Her statement can be supported by the British Empire brought about through imperialism. Capitalists' investments in foreign colonies were successful, thus becoming more appealing to others.

Andrew Salgado said...

During 1871- 1914, government policies in western and central Europe were impacted by mass politics through the increase of suffrage and raised literacy. Governments gave higher demands and expectations among the people so that they may be able to give them what they need.People were represented more as suffrage increased. Men were given the right to vote. In England, education was urged and was available to more people. By doing so the government can have more responsible citizens. In Germany, Bismarck had influenced the government and was able to keep it stable. Bismarck wanted to secure the power without expanding.

I agree with Brandon on public education. With the Education Act in 1870, education was open to many people. People were able to read and were able to learn the skills to become responsible citizens. The government thought these responsible citizens to be important to provide for the society.

I agree with Gardenia. Germany had a powerful and structural government. All thanks to Bismarck. Bismarck was chancellor and established Reichstag,a bicameral legislature, which helped Bismarck in his unification of Germany. Also with the political system, The Center Party(Catholic Party), promoted the political concept of Particularism which advocated regional priorities.

Reina Ali said...

During that time there were many things that the government had changed as an impact of the mass politics. Many leaders during that time knew that in order to keep their power they must share some of it which is why the aristocrats of Britain allowed the middle class more political influence. Even though the aristocrats were still the leading forces in both the conservative and liberal parties, the results often favored the middle class. In the late nineteenth century, working class men were allowed to take part in the politics. In Germany, all male adults could elect representatives to the Reichstag, even though the real power went to the emperor and the chancellor, it was important in order to appeal to the new voters. Europe during this time also realized that they must have a sense of unity in order to overcome all the social and political divisions; therefore, they sought to create a new school system. These schools taught the children to read and write in the national language in addition to learning about history to increase their feeling of national superiority.

Brittany Sam said...

Government policies in western and central Europe were impacted greatly by mass politics. Due to its many political movements, it influenced the government structure in European countries. Political Parties dominated politics. the increase in suffrage and literacy resulted in higher expectations and demands for the government to be responsible for the people's needs.
nationalism was used to create a false sense of unity to distract the social issues between the classes. Education became even more a necessity and was easier to access, no matter what social class. Countries changed to fit the needs of the people. Politicians and parties in national parliaments represented the people more responsibility due to the increase of suffrage.

i agree with peter that this time did consist off realpolitiks like Otto Von Bismark. who reformed many policies that were beneficial to the people. he was the mastermind behind the government and established the Reichstag.they drove away from romantic idealism to more practical means.

i agree with tiffany n. that the advances in technology helped manipulate the public opinion and create awareness. with this people became more involved and had a voice with political issues.

Reina Ali said...

I agree with Mike’s statement about Central Europe focusing on industrializing their own countries to catch up to those in the west like England. Much of the focus was on industrializing as well since the major thing that countries sought was power. More than anything else all the countries of Europe wanted power. After gaining that power, then they would focus on other things such as unity.

I also agree with Jeromes statement about how the polices were impacted due to the needs of the people of the states. Since people thought that they needed a more important role in society, they were granted that. Or what appeared to be that (since most of the time it was just an illusion that they had power, even though the majority of the power was still given to the emperor). Since they wanted to be more important, they were also given more education.

Gardenia said...

I agree with Eunice that liberals did begin to become more conservative throughout this time period of mass politics. Many liberal thinkers became conservative due to fear of trade unions and socialists.
I agree with Clara's statement that many literate and educated citezens demonstrated awarness of political issues and expected governments. In England, Gladstone passed the Education Act in 1870, which allowed education to be accessible to more people. Education increased greatly during the age of mass politics.

Christian Rock said...

During the period of mass politics Europe experienced an emergence of political parties. Through these parties some of the populations voice was heard. At first suffrage was extended to certain males later branching to all or almost all and finally after world war I to all males and females. Wether the peoples voices were heard or this was merely the tool for political agenda to be expressed; it did spread power over the political system and away from just one monarchial ruler.

Literacy became key to nations. Governments began to nationalize and secularize education. Although this could have been a propeganda tool, this increase in "competency" lead to a rise in political reform and identity. People now knew what they wanted why they wanted it and who could help them attain it.Societies and politicians persuaded themselves into certain mindframes due to historical shortcomings or fantasized ideals. Through ideals such as this mass politics allowed for the powers that became the characters in the play of world war I.

In response to Abbey: how did a welfare state lead to an increase in food and housing? I understand the education part of it.

I question Peter's statement about mass politics leading to laws which were the peoples desire. A key example of this would be the Belgian Congo. Though the government of Belgium (or by your conclusions the peoples desires) did not want to acquire colonies at the time, Leopold privately funded and politicaly manipulated the ownership of the Congo. As you can see the peoples desires were never realized here. It was through manipulation and propaganda that Leopold made his desires a reality.

Ariel said...

(Is this not showing up? Strange. Sorry if this post duplicates.)

Government policies were largely affected by mass politics in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, this fact attributed to the nationalistic, step-by-step political endeavors that had begun to characterize the time period. As evidenced by Otto Von Bismarck's "blood and iron" speech, the political atmosphere was now dominated by the idea of concrete action instead of ineffective Romantic yearnings. This Machiavellian viewpoint, added to the increased suffrage, literacy, governmental expectations, and societal demands mentioned by classmates earlier, constituted the premise behind the age of mass politics.

One of the most prominent facets of this age lay in the people's involvement in government. By this time, political parties were emerging and assuming control - the conservative Tories and liberal Whigs, spearheaded by Disraeli and Gladstone respectively, served as a testament to this in 19th century England. The German Empire saw the emergence of multiple parties as well, the conservative Junkers, Bismarck-supportive Center Party, and Marxist Social Democratic Party playing pivotal roles in its political system. As increased suffrage spread, these parties would play a larger, more responsible role in representing the people under their jurisdiction.

Another characteristic of the age of mass politics lay in the increase of national literacy. A newfound emphasis on public education, driven by the desire for a more well-informed citizenry, served as the basis for numerous reforms in the intellectual life of numerous nations. This notion is exemplified through the example of Bismarck's Prussian Kulturkampf, a so-called "struggle for civilization" that removed the Catholic Church's influence over local education. Seeing the clergy as a threat to governmental influence, Bismarck placed education under state direction and required church leaders to undergo training and examinations in German schools. While this movement ultimately resulted in failure, it did allow the government to gain state control of education. Compulsory school attendance was also enforced in Great Britain, while Jules Ferry's educational laws placed more emphasis on French public schooling in religion's stead. These reforms emphasized newfound international focus on education, also heightening the expectations and demands of people who were informed enough to seek governmental responsiveness to the issues that plagued them in society.

Finally, another aspect of this political environment concerned the formation of welfare states. Under the reforms of Chancellor Bismarck, Germany was the first to establish an integrated structure of politics and economics under a series of major reforms. A unified monetary system, Imperial Bank, universal civil criminal codes, compulsory military service characterized Bismarck's attempts to build a "Second Reich". Britain, France, and other countries soon followed in Germany's example, creating a common framework that truly defined the age of mass politics.

I agree with Gardenia, Andrew, Peter, and Reina in regards to Bismarck's influence during this time of political change. As Chancellor of Germany, Bismarck dominated European policy while also playing an integral role in the German government. This was evidenced through his involvement in the Kulturkampf, his leadership in German unification, societal reforms, and negotiations with the middle class. He was truly a major player in the age of mass politics.

I partially agree with Clara's statement regarding the greater sense of belonging that resulted from nation-states and national leaders. While universal suffrage was extended in nations such as Great Britain, such laws were only applicable to men. Women's suffrage would not emerge until after World World I, effectively excluding females from the political spectrum.

Kevin Salgado said...

During the time of the Age of Mass politics, Germany was the first to become a welfare state. Bismarck led the Reichstag, when he unified Germany, and made many reforms to make Germany at its best. He established an integrated political and economic structure for Germany, for example unifying the monetary system and establighing an imperial bank. However, he felt the S.P.D. and the Center Party were threats to imperial power and sought to destroy them. With the Kulturkampf, he attempted limit influence of the Center party but failed. He continued to make reforms until he was forced to resign to Wilhelm II. In France, after Napoleon III's downfall, the Paris Commune gained power and Adolphe Thiers led the Third French Republic. With many different issues in France such as the Dreyfus affair and the Boulanger Crisis, French government was seen by the public as corrupt and they couldn't maintain a stable government. Great Britain still fluorished as a nation, but not as much as it used to. Under Disraeli and William Gladstone, Britain's democracy expanded. Disraeli appealed to the working class and made reforms. The Reform Act of 1884 granted adult male suffrage in counties on the same basis as in the buroughs. New groups also emerged in increasing democracy. Britain lost its grip on Southern Ireland during the Irish question, losing some of its influence.

I agree with Bryan k on his statement on France losing its reputation because of the Dreyfus affair. Time after time, France experienced many struggles. Other than the Dreyfus affair, the Boulanger Crisis and the Panama canal scandal also contributed to French's governmental corruption and downfall. The general public didn't view the government the same way.

I also agree with Ariel's comment on Bismarck's use of Kulturkampf to limit the religious influence in Germany. If it wasn't for him, the government wouldn't have gained the state control of education like she stated. Also, when she mentions rising political parties and the people's involvement in government. These new groups in the European countries were an important part of government politics.

Alinna B. said...

During the Age of Mass Politics, government policies were impacted in the central and western parts of Europe between 1871-1914. There was an increase in literacy which allowed the value of education to increase in society because government believed that public education would provide society with well-informed and liable citizens. For example, in Paris Jules ferry established secular education and expanded tax-supported public schools and compulsory education which shows the government concern with public education. Also governments during this period were usually run by conservatives who manipulated nationalism to create a sense of unity and to distract attention away from any political conflicts. The Dreyfus affair was one of the most serious threat to the republic. The result of this conflicts led to an alliance between republicans and socialists because of the conservatives who allowed themselves to persecute an innocent person and to manufacture false evidences against Dreyfus to protect themselves from disclosure.

I agree with Peter when he states that the increase of literacy allowed public education to be more available to society. The government wanted educated citizens so that they could be more informed and responsible. For example, the education of 1870 in which the government assumed the responsibility for establishing and running elementary schools.

I agree with Andrew about Bismark influence on the government. Bismark was a chancellor and was the key player into the unification of Germany. He established an integrated political and economic structure for Germany.

brittuhhnee said...

Government policies in western and central Europe were greatly impacted by mass politics during the period 1871-1914. Societies and politics were more influenced by mass politics than European economies were. Because coutries finally developed welfare programs, the lower social classes were allowed to rise up in society. Literacy rates improved and this created a more educated society. Suffrage movements changed politics by creating a larger voting populace. This created a more effective and representational government. France and England became more patriotic, and grew away from liberal movements.

I agree with Ariel's point that now there was only "concrete action" going on rather than Romantic movements. I also agree with her point that Bismarks iron and blood speech represents this. She also had some valid points regarding government changes based on the suffrage movements i have previously stated. It is true that government structure started to better represent the populace.

I agree with Brandon's example of more educated citizens as a result of mass mass politcs. I agree with his statement that literacy made citizens more intelligent in the ways of politics as well as made them feel more involved. His example of England's Gladstone Act is a great specific example of the greater importance that education began to have during this age.

Francesca said...

Mass politics greatly impacted how many viewed the government. Mass politics was able to increase suffrage (male) as well as literacy in the western and central European countries between 1871 and 1914. Because of the increase in suffrage and literacy among countries, citizens viewed the government in a much more greater view, demanding the government to respond to their personal needs. Another aspect resulting from mass politics was the new use of nationalism. Government officials used nationalism to unite their countries. Nationalism also created less tension among the social classes.

I agree with Clara on her statement that as literacy rates increased, so did public education. Many became more knowledgeable as countries such as Germany and Britian advanced in areas such as military, industrial and economical. In order to keep citizens well informed, the government would provide public education. Not only were they well informed, but also responsible, knowing what was going on in their country.

I also agree with Peter's statement that Otto von Bismarck changed many policies. Otto von Bismarck was very influentcial in Germany. He had established the Reichstag, which was the new German legislature. Before, Germany did not have an organized form of government and with the Reichstag, Germany was able to become more organized.

Anonymous said...

i agree with clara that an increase in suffrage and literacy in western and central european countries during the late nineteenth century had resulted in higher demands among the people for the government to be responsive to their needs, people had higher demands which got the government to listen to the demands of the people more. since literacy increased the government began to provide people with public schools.

i also agree with christian rock that through political parties some of the populations voices were heard. since the political parties had high power they were there demands were easily heard. since suffrage spread from certain males to all males and than finally to everyone very quickly peoples voices were heard.

UgotheNWA said...

Government policies in west and central Europe were impacted by the Age of Mass Politics in 1871-1914 by the emergence of increased national loyalty and pride in the government. This was caused by the increased sufferage so more men were able to vote and have a say in the government more than ever before. This was seen in Germany where Otto Von Bismark ruled and created a bicameral legislature known as the Reichstag. Rulers created a secure nationalistic feel in their nations to divert away from the internal problems they were actually facing. Education also increased as more people were becoming literate and education was more accessible. Especially in England with the Education Act of 1870 passed by Gladstone. Most politicians in Europe used practical means to accomplish their goals

I agree with Brandon in that monarchs used more practical than ideal means. They were more Machiavellian in their approach to get things done in their countries. Such as compulsory military service in Germany.

I also agree with Ryan about how countries using tactics to expand. Nations sought to expand their influence by going out and conquering other underdeveloped nations using imperialism as a basis. They used this to escape from the problems they were facing in their own country