Changes

In June 1913, the Reichstag approved a dramatic expansion of the army with the support of deputies of the Center, the National Liberal, and Radical parties.<ref name=ArmyExpand>"[http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/5th-july-1913/10/on-monday-the-reichstag-passed-the-new-german-army On Monday the Reichstag passed the new German Army Bill]", ''Spectator'', July 5, 1913.</ref>

In June 1913, the Reichstag approved a dramatic expansion of the army with the support of deputies of the Center, the National Liberal, and Radical parties.<ref name=ArmyExpand>"[http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/5th-july-1913/10/on-monday-the-reichstag-passed-the-new-german-army On Monday the Reichstag passed the new German Army Bill]", ''Spectator'', July 5, 1913.</ref>

On December 4, 1913, the Reichstag voted no confidence in Bethmann by a margin of 293 to 54. This vote was in response to abuses by a military officer in the Alsatian town of Zabern. Under the constitution, the emperor had exclusive authority over appointments. But, if the budget had been rejected, Bethmann might have been forced out of office. In the end, only the Social Democrats (110 seats) and the Polish Party (18 seats) voted against the budget. The Reichstag had failed to take advantage of one of the few chances Germany was given to achieve parliamentary democracy and head off war.

On December 4, 1913, the Reichstag voted no confidence in Bethmann by a margin of 293 to 54. This vote was in response to abuses by a military officer in the Alsatian town of Zabern. Under the constitution, the emperor had exclusive authority over appointments. But, if the budget had been rejected, Bethmann might have been forced out of office. In the end, only the Social Democrats (110 seats) and the Polish Party (18 seats) voted against the budget. The Reichstag had failed to take advantage a chance to bolster parliamentary authority and head off war.

==Decision for war (1912-1914)==

==Decision for war (1912-1914)==