Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm 1890-1914

Question 1

Who has the most power in the German government and how do you know?

Answer 1

Kaiser Wilhelm and we know because the government have to follow his orders. He is limited by the Reichstag and the elite.

Question 2

Name 4 of Kaiser’s aims

Answer 2

1. Build up Germany’s industry, overtake Britain
2. Stop the spread of socialism
3. Build up the German navy, overtake Britain
4. Have an overseas empire

Question 3

What does Weltpolitik mean and what is it?

Answer 3

World Politics (1897), designed to make Germany a major world power; build up navy, build overseas empire and build up international trade

Question 4

Name 4 reasons as to why Kaiser Wilhelm wanted a strong navy

Answer 4

1. It would help Germany take over more countries
2. It would protect the countries already in the German Empire
3. It would help increase international trade
4. He loved the military, and wanted a navy that would rival Britain’s

Question 5

What are the Naval Laws?

Answer 5

(1898-1912), expanded size of Germany’s navy. Lot’s of money was spent especially for Dreadnoughts.

Question 6

What are Dreadnoughts?

Answer 6

Huge warships

Question 7

What problems did the Navy cause?

Answer 7

Germany = debt, caused Naval Race with Britain and one cause of WW1

Question 8

Who is the leader of the navy?

Answer 8

Admiral Von Tirpitz

Question 9

The Kasier decided that Germany should have an empire too, so they took over other countries, mostly Africa. What phrase did Kaiser refer to this as?

Answer 9

wanting ‘ a place in the sun’

Question 10

What 4 other countries did the European countries compete over (except Africa)?

Answer 10

Britain, France, Germany, Italy

Question 11

What problems did Germany wanting an empire cause?

Answer 11

Germany’s empire still very small compared to Britain’s. British saw empire building as a sign of aggression. Another cause of WW1.