Latest / The History of Germany: Kingdoms, War, and Rebuilding Europe — Fexingo History
Bismarck's Social Insurance: The German Welfare State
In 1881, Kaiser Wilhelm I proclaimed a new era for Germany—one of state-sponsored social welfare. But was it compassion or calculation? This episode unpacks Otto von Bismarck's pioneering social insurance laws: health insurance in 1883, accident insurance in 1884, and old-age pensions in 1889. We explore how Bismarck crafted these programs to undercut the growing Social Democratic Party (SPD), using state benefits as a 'practical Christianity' to win workers' loyalty. Lucas and Luna discuss the political maneuvering, the resistance from liberals and conservatives, and the…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.