Kelly, our resident scholar...a question

[OnyxHeart]

What exactly is(was) the German concept of a junkerstaat?

For example, Otto von Bismark once remarked, "the end of the junkerstaat will mean the end of us [Prussians/Germans]"

I get the impression that a junkerstaat corresponds roughly with the warrior/aristocracy of ancient Greek Sparta, practicing what Neitschze defined as the "master morality"

[EremitaGermanus]

I'm not Kelly but I would also like to contribute some information that might help you. May I ask why you are interested in this?

"Junker" were Lords of manors or country gentry (mostly members of Prussian aritocracy) in the rural areas east of the river Elbe (Central Prussia). Otto von Bismarck, long term premier of Prussia, belonged to that group.

Because of the three-class voting rights (valid from 1849-191 where a vote was counted in accordance to fiscal contribution, they had a powerful political and economical position in that area (except for the urban area around Berlin). Their dominance was based due to deep-rooted aristocratical traditions in rural areas and their bonds to the military (most sons had held high ranks in the army for generations). Their income came mainly from agriculture in which they had a monopoly position not only in Prussia but later in the whole German Empire.

They had the reputation of being very conservative, antiliberal and antidemocratic and were very supportive of the Prussian political and military system and the monarchy. In liberal circles they were considered authoritarian, narrow-minded and backward and lacking good manners.

[Kelly]

You are a bit out of my time period. When I saw my name in the subject line, I did a quick Palin-esque mental breakdown. ohmygodi'dbetterknowtheanswerohmygodi'dbetterknowt heanswer.

Not knowing the context of the quote, what I can guess is that Bismarck was referencing his desire to maintain Prussian dominance in the formation of Germany as a nation. He wanted to ensure that Prussia had the controlling interests over the other territories that would form the new nation. This ideology included manipulating political forces in order to exclude its main competitor, Austria and the Habsburgs, from becoming part of the country.

It seems to me that Bismarck is being politically savvy in trying to manipulate opinions to believe that in order for Germany to be successful as a nation, it needs to follow the Prussian way of doing things/governance. (Akin to someone saying something like, "The end of Judeo-Christian values will be the end of America.")

And it's clear that EremitaGermanus knows more about exactly what that was than I do...

Have a nice day,
Kelly