Junkerism is a term used to describe the political and social system of Prussia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It refers to the dominance of the landowning Prussian aristocracy, known as Junkers. The spelling of Junkerism is pronounced phonetically as /ˈjʌŋkərɪzəm/. The IPA symbol /ˈj/ represents the sound of 'y' in 'yellow', /ʌŋ/ sounds like 'u' in 'lung', /kər/ like 'cur', /ɪ/ as in 'sit', and /zəm/ like 'ism'. This term is often used to describe the influence of the Prussian aristocracy on German politics and nationalism, leading up to World War I.
Junkerism refers to a philosophical, political, and economic ideology primarily associated with the socio-economic class of Junkers, the landed aristocracy, in Prussia and Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It encompasses a set of beliefs and practices that promoted conservative and traditional values, while safeguarding the privileged position and interests of the Junker class.
From an economic standpoint, Junkerism advocated for an agrarian-based system, perpetuating the power and dominance of agricultural landowners. It upheld the idea that agricultural production was the foundation of society, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional rural life and customs. This ideology often opposed industrialization and urban expansion, deeming them as threats to the established social order and the traditional way of life.
Politically, Junkerism aimed to maintain the influence of the Junker class by supporting authoritarian governance and resisting democratic reforms. It sought to protect and strengthen the monarchic system, perceiving it as a vital institution in preserving the Junker social, political, and economic privileges.
Philosophically, Junkerism was rooted in conservative and conservative-revolutionary ideas. It upheld the significance of hierarchy, loyalty, duty, and the preservation of traditional social structures. It regarded the Junkers as the natural ruling elite, responsible for upholding the values and interests of society.
While the influence of Junkerism diminished in the early 20th century with the modernization and democratization of Germany, its legacy can still be observed in certain aspects of German society and politics.
The term "Junkerism" originated from the German word "Junkertum", which refers to the social and political dominance of the Junkers, a conservative aristocracy in Prussia, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Junkers were a powerful landowning class who held strong conservative and militaristic ideals, exerting significant influence over the governance and policies of Prussia and later Germany.
The term "Junkerism" emerged to describe the ideology, practices, and values associated with the Junkers. It often connotes a reactionary, oligarchic, and authoritarian political system favoring landed aristocracy over liberal democracy or worker's rights. The term "Junkerism" has been used both historically and in contemporary contexts, particularly when discussing the political and social dynamics of pre-World War I Germany and its impact on subsequent events.