Industrialisierung in Deutschland I musstewissen Geschichte

Summary

This video explains the industrialization of Germany, from the early 19th century when the country lagged behind England, to its rapid growth by the late 1800s. Key developments include the creation of the German Zollverein, the rise of the Ruhr area as an industrial hub, and the growth of companies like Krupp. The video also covers the economic boom known as the Gründerboom, followed by the collapse of the Gründerkrach. Despite the hardships of industrialization, Germany emerged as a global leader, with advancements in chemistry, electricity, and machinery. By 1910, over 60% of the population lived in cities, transforming Germany into an industrial powerhouse.

Takeaways

• 😀 Germany was initially behind in industrialization compared to England, which started around 1760.
• 😀 The delay in Germany's industrialization was due to fragmented political regions, each with its own currencies, measurements, and customs.
• 😀 The formation of the German Customs Union (Zollverein) in 1833/34 helped standardize currencies, measurements, and opened up labor mobility across regions.
• 😀 The first steam locomotive in Germany, the Adler, ran from Nuremberg to Fürth in 1835, marking the beginning of the railway era.
• 😀 Germany's railway system grew rapidly, with 550 kilometers of track by 1840, contributing to the industrial expansion.
• 😀 Germany's population grew significantly during the 19th century, from 20 million in 1750 to 65 million by 1910, fueling industrial growth.
• 😀 The rise of stock companies made it easier to raise capital for industrial ventures, leading to the rapid expansion of businesses like Krupp.
• 😀 The Ruhr area became Germany's largest industrial region due to its abundant coal resources, leading to the growth of coal mines and steel factories.
• 😀 The establishment of the German Empire in 1871 sparked an economic boom known as the Gründerboom, but it eventually led to a financial crisis (Gründerkrach).
• 😀 The Gründerkrach resulted in factory closures, unemployment, and widespread poverty, highlighting the darker side of industrialization.
• 😀 Following the crisis, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced protective tariffs to support German industries, and the second wave of industrialization focused on chemicals, electricity, and machinery, with companies like BASF and Siemens leading the way.

Q & A

What was the main reason for Germany's delay in industrialization compared to England?

Germany's industrialization was delayed due to the lack of necessary conditions such as unified measures, currencies, and the absence of a cohesive market. This situation changed with the formation of the German Customs Union (Zollverein) in 1833/34.

How did the German Customs Union (Zollverein) impact industrialization?

The Zollverein unified currencies, weights, and measures across Germany and allowed free movement of labor across member states, which helped in creating industrial centers by enabling people to move to places offering employment opportunities.

What was the significance of the first steam locomotive in Germany?

The first steam locomotive in Germany, called 'Der Adler,' which started operating in 1835 between Nürnberg and Fürth, marked the beginning of Germany's railroad system, which was critical for further industrial growth.

What was the trend in population growth in Germany during the 19th century?

Germany's population grew significantly during the 19th century, from 20 million in 1750 to 56 million by 1900, and 65 million by 1910. This population growth fueled the demand for industry and urban development.

How did the stock market play a role in Germany's industrialization?

The establishment of joint-stock companies allowed entrepreneurs to raise large amounts of capital by attracting many small investors. This helped to finance industrial ventures and accelerated industrial growth in Germany.

What was the impact of the Franco-Prussian War on Germany's economy?

After the Franco-Prussian War, Germany received five billion Francs in gold as war reparations from France, which helped stimulate economic growth and fostered a boom in the founding of companies.

What led to the collapse of the Gründerboom (founder's boom) in Germany?

The Gründerboom collapsed due to excessive speculation and overconfidence in investments, creating a financial bubble. When the bubble burst, stock values plummeted, leading to bankruptcies, factory closures, and widespread financial hardship.

How did the German government respond to the economic crisis after the Gründerkrach?

The German government, led by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, implemented protectionist tariffs (Schutzzölle) to help German industries recover, which contributed to economic recovery starting around 1890.

How did the second wave of industrialization in Germany differ from the first?

The second wave of industrialization, starting around 1890, was driven by scientific discoveries in sectors such as chemistry, electricity, and machinery. Unlike the first wave, which focused on coal, iron, and steel, the second wave saw Germany becoming a global leader in chemical products, including plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.

What was the impact of industrialization on Germany's urbanization?

Industrialization led to rapid urbanization in Germany, with the urban population increasing from 36% in 1871 to 60% by 1910. The number of people living in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants also grew substantially during this period.