Weltpolitik Flashcards
What did Weltpolitik mean to Germany?
It was hard to define. To some it meant building a large empire, to others it meant protecting overseas German economic interests
What territories did Germany take through Weltpolitik?
A Chinese port and some islands in the East Indies, although these were nominal gains
Why was Weltpolitik seen as aggressive?
Germany attempted to take Portuguese territories in East Africa, although this was thwarted by Britain
Was Weltpolitik a threat to Britain?
Yes, Germany’s idea of an empire upon which ‘the sun never sets’ was a direct threat to the supremacy of the British empire.
Why might Weltpolitik not be seen as aggressive?
It can be argued that Germany were simply wanting to catch up to other imperial powers both in terms of naval capacity and territory
