Pre-WW1 Politics

Question 1

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Answer 1

• Born with a paralysed arm and withered left hand
• Energetic and enthusiastic but had an explosive temper
• Grandson of Britain’s Queen Victoria and cousin to future King George V
• Believed in the divine right of kings - that his right to rule came directly from God

Question 2

Kaiser Wilhelm II (Hereditary Monarch)

Answer 2

• Job for life

Question 3

Reichstag (Parliament)

Answer 3

• Elected every 3 years
• Can stop laws proposed by the Government by cannot make laws
• Men over 25 can vote for the Reichstag

Question 4

Government (Chancellor, Ministers)

Answer 4

Ministers:
Help the Kaiser run the country

Chancellor (Prime Minister):
Most important Minister - he can propose new laws. Answerable only to the Kaiser

• All can propose laws
• Have to approve how money was spent/collected (e.g. new taxes)

Question 5

The Army

Answer 5

Controlled by the Kaiser only

Question 6

Kaiser Wilhelm II’s aims

Answer 6

1. Control the political system
2. Make Germany a great power