1) Germany Under The Rule Of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1890-1914)

Question 1

When did Germany become a united country?

Answer 1

1871

Question 2

Who was Kaiser Wilhelm?

Answer 2

• Inherited his position
• Most powerful figure in government
• Didn’t believe in democracy
• Disliked working with the Reich-stag
• Placed his trust in the army

Question 3

What powers did he have?

Answer 3

• Final decisions in law making
• Could dissolve the Reich-stag at any point
• Can appoint and dismiss the Chancellor

Question 4

What was the German Parliament called?

Answer 4

Reich-stag

Question 5

What was ‘Weltpolitik’?

Answer 5

Means World Policy. Wilhelm wanted Germany to become a world power and rival Britain’s empire.

Question 6

Give two examples of how Germany was becoming a very rich and powerful country.

Answer 6

• In 1914, led the world in chemical and steel industries, producing twice as much steel as Britain and one-third of the world’s electrical goods
• The population was growing rapidly, providing more manpower for the growing industries

Question 7

Why were some people in Germany very unhappy about how the country was run during this time?

Answer 7

• Many workers were unhappy with low wages and poor working conditions
• Wanted the Kaiser to step down and share out his power
• The SDP wanted the Reich-stag to have more influence in decision making

Question 8

What were Navy Laws?

Answer 8

They allowed Germany to expand their navy with borrowed money.
The First Navy Law in 1898 built seven new battleships

Question 9

What was the Anglo-German Naval Race?

Answer 9

Germany’s navy became the second largest in the world, making Britain fearful of Germany, forcing them to build more battleships
(creating and ARMS RACE?)