23. ‘German Imperialism and Domestic Politics’ (October 1907)

The sole alternative to imperialism and war was democracy, and democracy in Germany was identical with Social Democracy. Bismarck, with his sharp eye for the real relationship of forces between European states, always realised the impossibility of German imperialism. Imperialism is today the grand delusion [Lebensluge: vital lie] of dying capitalism, the last, comprehensive ideology at its disposal to confront socialism. To all appearances, the decision between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat will be fought out as a struggle between imperialism and socialism. Those feelings (and, among the supporters of German policy, it is as likely as not a question of feelings and moods rather than of clear insights) have given rise to the newest phase in domestic politics. Keywords:domestic politics; German imperialism; social democracy