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How did factory work and union membership grow in the German Empire?

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Map showing the German Empire as it existed from 1871 to 1918, with its borders outlined and regions color-coded. The map highlights the Kingdom of Prussia in green and the full extent of the German Empire in yellow, including regions such as Bavaria, Saxony, Westphalia, and East Prussia. Neighboring countries like France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria-Hungary, and the Russian Empire are also labeled. Major cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are marked. — German Empire The German Empire, 1871–1918.

During the German Empire, rapid industrialization transformed the nation into an economic powerhouse, shifting the population from rural areas to urban industrial centers like Berlin and the Ruhr. Between 1895 and 1907, the number of workers in machine building doubled, and by 1913, industry accounted for 60 percent of the gross national product.12

As the working class expanded, union membership grew significantly, reaching 3.7 million members by 1912, with 2.5 million affiliated with socialist unions. This growth occurred despite the fact that German employers were often authoritarian and hostile toward collective bargaining.12

While workers faced challenges regarding political rights, they achieved notable economic gains, including a 14 percent reduction in average annual working hours between 1867 and 1913 and a rise in real income. Additionally, Bismarck’s social welfare legislation provided coverage for approximately 13.2 million workers by 1911. Many workers, frustrated by their lack of full political rights, supported the revolutionary socialist party.12