Germany under Wilhelm II Flashcards
When was Wilhelm II Kaiser?
1888-1918
Who were Wilhelm II’s parents?
Mother- Victoria, Princess Royal
Father- Frederick III
What did Wilhelm II want Germany to have?
-Biggest empire
-Biggest navy
-Grow trade
What 3 things threatened the Kaiser’s rule?
1) Industrialisation
2) Growth of Socialism
3) Growth of parliamentary democracy
Why was industrialisation a problem for the kaiser?
Rapid growth of industry deepened divide between rich and poor which pushed them to trade unions and socialism
Why was socialism a problem for the kaiser?
Threatened power and influence of the rich/aristocracy
Fears of revolution from SPD
Why was the growth of democracy a problem?
There was an increase in left wing parties like the SPD
In 1913, how much did Germany produce compared to Britain?
(industry)
More iron + steel
Same amount of coal
What was Weltpolitik?
Imperialist foreign policy to make Germany a global power (world politics)
What was the SPD?
Social Democratic Party
Heavily supported by lower class and factory workers
In 1914, how many people were in trade unions?
3.3M
How many seats did the SPD have in 1887?
11 seats
How many seats did the SPD have in 1903?
81 seats
What did the SPD want?
-Kaiser to share some of his power
-More social reforms/laws to improve workers rights and conditions
What were steel production rates in 1914 in Germany and Britain?
17M tonnes per year- Germany
7.9M tonnes per year- Britain
What ‘slogan’ was associated with Weltpolitik?
Germany should have her place in the sun
Who was the Kaiser’s chief admiral and what did he do?
Alfred von Tirpitz
Developed Naval Laws
How many Dreadnoughts did Germany and Britain have by 1914?
Germany- 34
Britain- 22
What fraction of the defence budget was spent on the Naval Laws?
1/3 of budget in 1911
What % of Germans lived in the city in 1910?
60%
Date and describe the Moroccan Crisis.
- 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)
When was Bosnia annexed and who did it?
1908 by Austria-Hungary
Who could vote pre WWI?
Men over 25
What colonies did Germany have in 1913?
Cameroon, Togo, E Africa, SW Africa, Kiaochow, Kaiser Wilhelm Land (Papua New Guinea)
Date and describe the Social Law
1891
Banned Sunday working
Banned employment for under 13s
What was the 1900 reform?
The length of time accident insurance could be claimed for was increased.
1903 reform
Health insurance extended
Further restrictions on child labour
What did Ludendorff advise the Kaiser to do toward the end of ww1?
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.
