Germany under Wilhelm II

Question 1

When was Wilhelm II Kaiser?

Answer 1

1888-1918

Question 2

Who were Wilhelm II’s parents?

Answer 2

Mother- Victoria, Princess Royal
Father- Frederick III

Question 3

What did Wilhelm II want Germany to have?

Answer 3

-Biggest empire
-Biggest navy
-Grow trade

Question 4

What 3 things threatened the Kaiser’s rule?

Answer 4

1) Industrialisation
2) Growth of Socialism
3) Growth of parliamentary democracy

Question 5

Why was industrialisation a problem for the kaiser?

Answer 5

Rapid growth of industry deepened divide between rich and poor which pushed them to trade unions and socialism

Question 6

Why was socialism a problem for the kaiser?

Answer 6

Threatened power and influence of the rich/aristocracy
Fears of revolution from SPD

Question 7

Why was the growth of democracy a problem?

Answer 7

There was an increase in left wing parties like the SPD

Question 8

In 1913, how much did Germany produce compared to Britain?
(industry)

Answer 8

More iron + steel
Same amount of coal

Question 9

What was Weltpolitik?

Answer 9

Imperialist foreign policy to make Germany a global power (world politics)

Question 10

What was the SPD?

Answer 10

Social Democratic Party
Heavily supported by lower class and factory workers

Question 11

In 1914, how many people were in trade unions?

Answer 11

3.3M

Question 12

How many seats did the SPD have in 1887?

Answer 12

11 seats

Question 13

How many seats did the SPD have in 1903?

Answer 13

81 seats

Question 14

What did the SPD want?

Answer 14

-Kaiser to share some of his power
-More social reforms/laws to improve workers rights and conditions

Question 15

What were steel production rates in 1914 in Germany and Britain?

Answer 15

17M tonnes per year- Germany
7.9M tonnes per year- Britain

Question 16

What ‘slogan’ was associated with Weltpolitik?

Answer 16

Germany should have her place in the sun

Question 17

Who was the Kaiser’s chief admiral and what did he do?

Answer 17

Alfred von Tirpitz
Developed Naval Laws

Question 18

How many Dreadnoughts did Germany and Britain have by 1914?

Answer 18

Germany- 34
Britain- 22

Question 19

What fraction of the defence budget was spent on the Naval Laws?

Answer 19

1/3 of budget in 1911

Question 20

What % of Germans lived in the city in 1910?

Answer 20

60%

Question 21

Date and describe the Moroccan Crisis.

Answer 21

1904. Morocco had been given from Britain to France
      However Morocco wanted independence and was supported by Germany (probably as they only had a few colonies)

Question 22

When was Bosnia annexed and who did it?

Answer 22

1908 by Austria-Hungary

Question 23

Who could vote pre WWI?

Answer 23

Men over 25

Question 24

What colonies did Germany have in 1913?

Answer 24

Cameroon, Togo, E Africa, SW Africa, Kiaochow, Kaiser Wilhelm Land (Papua New Guinea)

Question 25

Date and describe the Social Law

Answer 25

1891
Banned Sunday working
Banned employment for under 13s

Question 26

What was the 1900 reform?

Answer 26

The length of time accident insurance could be claimed for was increased.

Question 27

1903 reform

Answer 27

Health insurance extended
Further restrictions on child labour

Question 28

What did Ludendorff advise the Kaiser to do toward the end of ww1?

Answer 28

Ludendorff knew that they would lose, and advised the Kaiser that the allies might treat them more fairly if they were a democratic country

The Kaiser reluctantly transferred some of his power to the Reichstag, however these changes came too late, so he had to abdicate.