What was Otto von Bismarck’s primary motivation in creating compulsory social health insurance? a. Improve relations between the working class and the Social Democratic Party b. Help those in need c. Buy the loyalty of blue collar workers d. Further social justice
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Buy the loyalty of blue-collar workers.
Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of the German Empire, introduced compulsory social health insurance in 1883 as part of a series of welfare reforms aimed at securing the support of the working class and suppressing the rise of socialism. The primary motivation behind this move was to solidify the loyalty of blue-collar workers to the state and to the conservative regime. At the time, Germany faced growing unrest from socialist movements, particularly from the Social Democratic Party, which advocated for workers’ rights and better social conditions.
Bismarck was keenly aware of the political threat posed by these movements. He realized that by providing state-sponsored health insurance, he could create a system of social security that would appeal to the working class and reduce their reliance on socialist parties. By offering this program, Bismarck aimed to demonstrate that the state, rather than socialist ideologies, could provide for the welfare of workers. This would not only curtail the appeal of the Social Democrats but also strengthen his own political position.
The health insurance program required workers and employers to contribute to the fund, which would provide medical care and financial support in case of illness. The idea was to prevent workers from being tempted by socialist calls for radical change by giving them a sense of security through state intervention.
Although Bismarck was not entirely motivated by altruistic goals such as improving social justice, his health insurance reform helped lay the foundation for the modern welfare state. It was strategically designed to enhance state control over the working class while weakening the influence of socialist movements in Germany.