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Kaiser Wilhelm II and German Monarchy

Jan 5, 2025

AQA GCSE History: Germany, Democracy, and Dictatorship 1890-1945

Episode 1: Kaiser Wilhelm II and the German Monarchy

Overview of German Empire

  • Creation: 1871
  • End: 1918
  • Rule: By Kaiser Wilhelm II from 1888 to 1918
  • Abdication: Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in 1918

Kaiser Wilhelm II's Background

  • Birth: Born breached, arm partially paralyzed
  • Psychological Issues: Feared weakness, craved power
  • Family Connections:
    • Cousin to Tsar Nicholas II (Russia) and King George V (England)
    • Eldest grandson of Queen Victoria
  • Education and Early Life: Studied law, joined Prussian army at 21

Government Structure

  • Kaiser: Most powerful figure; controls army and foreign policy; appoints/dismisses Chancellor
  • Chancellor: Runs government; proposes legislations
  • Bundestag: Representatives from German states; consent needed for legislations
  • Reichstag: Elected by public every 3/5 years; can pass/reject legislations

Military Influence and Policies

  • Militarism: Strengthened military to increase influence
  • Traditionalism: Rigid class system, upper class power

Germany's Economic and Social Changes (1890-1924)

  • Economic Growth:
    • Iron and coal production doubled
    • Produced 2/3 of Europe's steel by 1924
    • Growth in chemical manufacturing
  • Population Increase: Urban expansion, growth of working class

Rise of Socialism

  • Working Class Issues: Poor conditions, demand for better representation
  • SPD Growth: Increased seats in Reichstag (11 in 1887 to 81 by 1903)
  • Trade Unions: 3.3 million people by 1914
  • Kaiser's Response: Fear of socialism and revolution

Political Unrest and Reforms

  • Challenges for Kaiser: Difficulty in ruling, pressure due to SPD's rise
  • Workers' Protection Act (1891): Improved workplace safety
  • Welpaltic Policy (1897): Focus on expanding territory and military
  • Navy Laws (1898, 1900): Expanded naval fleet, promoted patriotism

Conclusion

  • SPD's Fluctuation in Power: Lost seats in 1907, largest party by 1912
  • Implications: Increase in desire for democracy
  • Next Episode: End of WW1 and Treaty of Versailles
  • Engagement: Like, subscribe, leave questions in comments

End of notes for Episode 1

Full transcript