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Germany under William II, 1890-1918

Germany under William II, 1890-1918. Constitutional position of the Kaiser Importance of his character The pressures within the ‘Kaiserreich’. Caprivi (1890-94) - introduced ‘New Course’ – planned to win support from w/classes away from SPD

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Germany under William II, 1890-1918

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  1. Germany under William II, 1890-1918 • Constitutional position of the Kaiser • Importance of his character • The pressures within the ‘Kaiserreich’

  2. Caprivi (1890-94) - introduced ‘New Course’ – planned to win support from w/classes away from SPD Commercial treaties signed which boosted German economy 1892 Army Bill – began build up of Army that was main characteristic of William’s reign 1894 Caprivi forced to resign Hohenloe (1894-1900) New policy of ‘concentration’ – attacked Socialists & removed progressive ministers – policy only widened gap between monarchy & the people Key policy of ‘Weltpolitik’ designed to please William & to unite the people Pressure from groups like the Pan-German League Navy greatly expanded Assessment of Weltpolitik Bismarck’s Successors

  3. Von Bulow (1900-1909) Return to the days of State Socialism – many of Bismarck’s old policies extended but workers not convinced Tariffs reintroduced – saw rise in Socialist vote Bethmann-Hollweg (1909-) Proposed constitutional reform to strengthen w/class vote -defeated SPD polled 30% popular vote in 1912 Zabern Incident (1913) amply demonstrated power of the Army & Kaiser over the Reichstag Army Bill (1913) Bismarck’s Successors

  4. Weltpolitik= World Power Status • Historians agree that 1897 was key year • Different reasons given for this policy Led to • creation of colonial empire • Creation of economic spheres of influence • Expansion of German Navy

  5. Why did Weltpolitik become government policy? • Economic demand • Social Darwinism • Economic changes led to new political forces eg SDP & populist right wing groups • These nationalists formed new pressure groups like the Pan-German League. These were important in a) popularising Weltpolitik b) pressuring govt to pursue policy to the full

  6. Supporters of Weltpolitik • Expansion of Navy key to Welpolitik • Tirpitz established Navy League (1898) – backed by industry – membership of over 1 million • Weltpolitik successful because of broad political appeal • Played on patriotic feelings

  7. What were the main divisions in the Kaiserreich? • Religion – strong support for the Centre Party • Minorities eg Poles, Danes, French • Class lines – Junkers, middle class, the Mittelstand, working classes • Agriculture in decline • Industry boomed but conditions remained poor for the workers • Economic progress added to the existing social problems

  8. How well did the German economy develop at this time? • By 1914 Germany was Europe’s industrial superpower • Importance of new industries • Population increased by 25 million 1871-1910 • Close to GB in coal production, ahead in steel • Share of world trade by 1914 rivalled Britain & her Empire Question : What effect might this have German foreign policy/national feeling?

  9. 1914-1918 • Germany went to war in 1914 in support of Austria-Hungary • War was culmination of near misses & crises • Perhaps was seen as tactic by the imperial government • War was supported by the Reichstag • By 1916 Germany effectively ruled by the military • By 1918 Germany faced defeat • By 1919 serious territorial & political divisions

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