Example Questions Flashcards
Describe 2 problems faced by Kaiser Wilhelm II’s governments in ruling Germany up to 1914 (4 marker)
One problem faced by Kaiser Wilhelm II’s governments was the power of Trade Unions. Rapid industrialisation was creating social problems in towns and discontent amongst workers. By 1914 membership of Trade Unions reached 3.3 million, which meant strike action could have a substantial rearmament and without productive workers was no able to build enough war machinery to retain a strong monarchy
Another problem was the growing influence of the Socialists. The Kaiser and Chancellor were both right-wing but were unable to secure a majority of like-minded politicians in the Reichstag, due to the growing influence of left-wing ideas. The Kaiser desired ‘Weltpolitik’ but the Socialists in the Reichstag opposed this, making it difficult for the Kaiser to achieve his ambitions in world affairs
Describe how effects of the navy laws impact Germany (4 marker)
One of the effects of the Navy Laws was how expensive the naval expansion was. It led to high taxes and increased the government debt to 490 billion marks by 1902. This led to the government losing its majority in the Reichstag and found it difficult to reform the Tariff Law in 1902
Another effect was that Germany and Britain’s relationship was damaged. As the German fleet was clearly no longer a costal defence force but a battle fleet, the relations between Germany and Britain is damaged and the Anglo-German naval arms race ensued. Furthermore, Britain joined an alliance with France and Russia in fear of Kaiser’s ambitions, forming the ‘Tripe Entrente’. Germany also joined an alliance with Austria Hungary and Italy, called the ‘Tripe Alliance’, which worsened Britain and Germany’s relationship even more
