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

2. Bismarck’s Successors 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

3. Bismarck’s Successors 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)

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