Wilhelm - Weltpolitik Flashcards
What did Geiss say about the the Kaiser’s involvement in Weltpolitik?
‘German foreign policy during this time bore the personal stamp of the Kaiser.’
What economic reasons were there for Weltpolitik?
Colonies and raw materials were needed if Germany was not to face stagnation
What political reasons were there for Weltpolitik?
Political pressure - important conservative pressure groups such as the Pan-German League, the Colonial League and the Navy League all favoured German expansionism and militarism
For Geiss, why did Weltpolitik come into existence?
‘Weltpolitik came into existence as a red herring of the ruling classes to distract the middle and working classes from the social and political problems.’
What happened in 1897?
Seizure of the Chinese port of Kiao-Chow and Shantung province claimed as a German ‘sphere of influence’
What happened in 1898?
Purchase of Pacific islands from Spain
What happened in 1899?
Acquisition of the Samoan islands
What happened in 1900?
Germany leads multi-nation intervention force after the Boxer Rebellion.
When was the introduction of the Dreadnought?
1906
What were the consequences of the introduction of the Dreadnought?
Led to German naval bills in 1906, 1907 and 1908
An expensive and ultimately unsuccessful arms race
What domestic concerns were there with Weltpolitik?
Domestic political tensions increased, especially with the Socialists in the Reichstag due to the problem of who was to pay for Weltpolitik
What were the issues with the new ‘empire’?
It was meagre and, being geographically scattered, almost indefensible
When was the First Navy Law?
1898
What was the First Navy Law?
Provided funds for the construction of 16 new battleships
When was the Second Navy law?
1900
