I am aware of how the military was able to influence politics and infiltrate into society - I am looking for the reason WHY the military influenced domestic issues. Many thanks.
Imperial Germany was militaristic to the core very like Sparta was in ancient greece , Aristocrats ruled then and germany was a Monarchy with a king , who was bought up in a military school as were all german aristocrats. They ruled and were the last word in political decisions. There was a government but being most were aristocrats or high born went along with whatever the king decreed.
Imperial Germany lasted only from 1871 until 1918. When the German speaking states were united under Wilhelm I on 18 January 1971, the dominant military group behind the new country were Prussians, the only standing army among all the states. Also, the first Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was Prussian and it was regarded as essential to preserve the borders of the new state. So the military "party" became the main supporters of the new monarchy and Prussian local politics dominated national German policy for some years.
In fact, Bismarck's social policy was very advanced for the 19th century. He promoted the Health Insurance Bill of 1883, the Industrial Accident Insurance Bill of 1884, and the Old Age and Disability Insurance Bill of 1889.
Don't be overwhelmed by the military effect of Prussian politics. By 1890, Germany had a fully functional democratic parliamentary government with a constitutional monarch. But there was still the sense of insecurity over the western and eastern borders. The French, in particular, had never ceased to argue about Alsace and Lorraine which the Germans took to their own territory after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. Therefore, German military strategy was fixated on defence against France, and that is how Germany is remembered in Britain as well.
Throughout the later 19th century, Germany prospered and established itself as a major European power and a wealthy economy. The French, however, seemed to be looking for an excuse to engage Germany in diplomatic unpleasantness and appeared relieved when the opportunity arose to start shooting in 1914.
Imperial Germany lasted only from 1871 until 1918. When the German speaking states were united under Wilhelm I on 18 January 1971, the dominant military group behind the new country were Prussians, the only standing army among all the states. Also, the first Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was Prussian and it was regarded as essential to preserve the borders of the new state. So the military "party" became the main supporters of the new monarchy and Prussian local politics dominated national German policy for some years.
In fact, Bismarck's social policy was very advanced for the 19th century. He promoted the Health Insurance Bill of 1883, the Industrial Accident Insurance Bill of 1884, and the Old Age and Disability Insurance Bill of 1889.
Don't be overwhelmed by the military effect of Prussian politics. By 1890, Germany had a fully functional democratic parliamentary government with a constitutional monarch. But there was still the sense of insecurity over the western and eastern borders. The French, in particular, had never ceased to argue about Alsace and Lorraine which the Germans took to their own territory after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. Therefore, German military strategy was fixated on defence against France, and that is how Germany is remembered in Britain as well.
Throughout the later 19th century, Germany prospered and established itself as a major European power and a wealthy economy. The French, however, seemed to be looking for an excuse to engage Germany in diplomatic unpleasantness and appeared relieved when the opportunity arose to start shooting in 1914.
Imperial Germany lasted only from 1871 until 1918. When the German speaking states were united under Wilhelm I on 18 January 1971, the dominant military group behind the new country were Prussians, the only standing army among all the states. Also, the first Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was Prussian and it was regarded as essential to preserve the borders of the new state. So the military "party" became the main supporters of the new monarchy and Prussian local politics dominated national German policy for some years.
In fact, Bismarck's social policy was very advanced for the 19th century. He promoted the Health Insurance Bill of 1883, the Industrial Accident Insurance Bill of 1884, and the Old Age and Disability Insurance Bill of 1889.
Don't be overwhelmed by the military effect of Prussian politics. By 1890, Germany had a fully functional democratic parliamentary government with a constitutional monarch. But there was still the sense of insecurity over the western and eastern borders. The French, in particular, had never ceased to argue about Alsace and Lorraine which the Germans took to their own territory after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. Therefore, German military strategy was fixated on defence against France, and that is how Germany is remembered in Britain as well.
Throughout the later 19th century, Germany prospered and established itself as a major European power and a wealthy economy. The French, however, seemed to be looking for an excuse to engage Germany in diplomatic unpleasantness and appeared relieved when the opportunity arose to start shooting in 1914.