... the argument that war was a means to consolidate conservatism it is important to look at the context of the country in question. Germany in 1890 saw the end of Bismarckian rule and the introduction of William II and his hostile foreign policy. However, what was most noticeable was the industrial and economic advancements at the time. 'Output of coal between 1880 and 1913 rose more than fourfold, even steel production had far outpaced Britain.'1 The significance of this was the rise of the industrial working class and shift away from conservatism towards social democracy. 'By 1912 the SPD had become the largest party in the Reichstag with 110 deputies.'2 The problem that the old conservatives had was how to retain power. Historians have agued Germany used the drive for overseas empire to deal with this issue. This is visible not only as it was the only viable option but ...

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