Originally published in 1987, this study assesses the extent to which social and economic conditions affected the outcome of Reichstag and Landtag elections. It discusses the economic development in the district of Dusseldorf both before and during the period covered, 1867-1878; it also examines those social conditions in the region that remained static from 1867 – 1878, but also considers, as a background to each election or set of elections, short term changes in economic and social conditions.