New Wehrordnung article

[joerookery]

I just uploaded an article on universal military service. I haven't had time to adjust the format yet and I just noticed it knocked off the endnote numbers on page 1. I'll work on it tomorrow. Right now the Spurs are playing. This is a result of Pierre and George clamoring for the flow chart. The flowchart is in there on page 2 -- this is a long article -- I will look for spelling and other errors in the morning.

http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/MilitaryService_08.html

 

[Tony without Kaiser]

What a ton of work. Wow. I am going to have to print this off and sit on the deck when I get back and read this. Always a relief when you complete something you have been slogging at and finally and publish it.

 

[Wyliecoyote]

:salute: :notworthy: :bravo: :headbang:


Joe

What a fantastic job you did on this article. My hat is off to you! What an in depth study of Dientplicht. I really like the way you set the tone with the snapshot of Imperial German Society. We all tend to look back at the uncomplicated "Good Old Days", but this sentiment does not appear to apply to Imperial German Society at all. No wonder it is so trying to follow any rules regarding all aspects of Imperial German Militaria collecting. Your article certainly sheds light on the whole process of Military Service.

Just imagine what potential there would have been for his Reich if Kaiser Wilhelm applied more resources to raising the standard of living for the proletariat, ( Jeez, hope I don't sound like a Red, lol.).

I recommend reading this article to any member here, and the link to Joe's article at Col J's website is:

http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/MilitaryService_08.html

Joe, Bravo, a whole lot of research and hard work that has paid off! Thanks for that illuminating artice.

Geo

 

[joerookery]

Thanks George -- you and Pierre drove the train on this one. Someday maybe I'll work on this book -- not a lot of motivation right now. Relative to your comment you might be interested in this quote from the tome.

The most remarkable and long lasting achievement of Bismarck’s last years was the introduction of social insurance. Germany was far ahead of its European peers. In 1883 health insurance was created. In 1884 accident insurance and in 1889 old age and infirmity insurance were created. These insurances tied the property less proletariat closer to the government and away from the Socialist Party. People on a pension developed a very loyal mentality towards the monarchial state. Social historians believe that the insurance offered by the state kept the Socialist Party a reform rather than a revolutionary organization. The insurance is also credited for a huge patriotic out surge in 1914. Health insurance payments were small but replaced a system where they were zero. By 1917 basically all wage earners were covered by this system. Old-age insurance was contributory and one could collect upon reaching age 70. Accident insurance encountered much resistance. There was resistance on the part of the factory owners to limit working hours. The insurance was entirely funded by contributions from employers and therefore more industry oriented than state oriented.