Germany before World War One, 1890-1914 - AQAInfluence of Prussian Nationalism

German unification had been led by the Kingdom of Prussia, which was the largest, richest and most powerful of the 25 states which came together to form the new German Empire in 1871. As a result, Prussian influence remained strong after unification:

• The army was led by Prussian officers, who reported directly to the Emperor (who was of course also the King of Prussia!)
• Prussia provided 17 out of 58 representatives in the Bundesrat. Only 14 votes were needed to veto (block) any laws passed by the Bundestag.
• Germany’s legal system, civil service and diplomatic corps were dominated by powerful Prussian noble landholders, known as the Junkers.

The Junkers were wealthy conservative landowners from Prussia, in North-Eastern Germany. They controlled the Prussian Army, which had enormous influence over German foreign and domestic affairs. The Junkers were also strong supporters of the German ruling family, the Prussian Hohenzollern dynasty. This state of affairs meant that the most influential force in Germany represented the interests of relatively few people. Catholics in the South and West, Jews and urban workers were treated with suspicion and had little say in how Germany was governed.