Already during the 1907 federal election, the two Free-minded parties had joined forces supporting Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow, who had promised to implement structural reforms.
The Progressives demanded full equal voting rights for all, the abolition of the Prussian three-class franchise system, a new local elections law and amendments to the Imperial Constitution transforming the empire into a parliamentary democratic monarchy.
They also advocated the separation of church and state, free trade, a progressive taxation as well as safety, health and welfare of people at work.
Leading members like Friedrich Naumann were still favouring economic liberalism, but gradually turned to the concept of a welfare state.
Though the circles around Naumann initially defended a German-dominated Mitteleuropa concept, the moderate forces led by Ludwig Quidde demanding peace negotiations prevailed.