Anglo-German Rivalry Flashcards
what was British foreign policy based around in the second half of the 19th century
‘splendid isolation’
problems of Britain’s ‘splendid isolation’
forced out of it bc of Germany’s military expansion
- Britain became more involved in European politics after 1902
why did Britain become more involved in European politics after 1902
humiliating defeat in the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902
what was Weltpolitik
Germany’s foreign policy
what did Kaiser Wilhelm II want to do as a part of Weltpolitik
strengthen Germany’s position in world affairs
what did Kaiser Wilhelm II want Germany to have
its ‘place in the sun;, overseas colonies
how did Kaiser Wilhelm II plan on getting his ‘place in the sun’
he relied on the strength of the Prussian state
when was the scramble for Africa
1890s
what became visible during the scramble for Africa
tensions between GB/Germany
why did Germany and GB want Africa
valuable continent bc of its supply of gold and diamonds
what did the Kaiser do after 1898
he expanded to navy as part of Weltpolitik
what did the Kaiser hope the expansion of the navy would do
lead to
- industrial growth
- larger German empire
- inc German patriotism/be a symbol of strength
when was the First Naval Law
1898, increased navy by 7 battleships
when was the Second Naval Law
1900, doubled navy size to 38 battleships
when was the Third Naval Law
1906, expanded navy by 6 battleships
who was Alfred von Tirpitz
the new Navy Secretary
what did Tirpitz do
led the effort to build up the German navy
what is consciption
requiring certain people to serve in the military
what was done by most of the Great Powers to inc size of military forces
introduced conscription
what Great Power didn’t introduce conscription
Britain
when did Britain pass the Naval Defence Act
1899
what was the Naval Defence Act
meant the Royal Navy could expand to match number of battleships owned by two largest naval powers combined (France and Russia)
name of the new super-battleship
the Dreadnought
when did Britain begin building the Dreadnought
by 1909
