Role of Kaiser in German Domestic and Foreign Policy
History Assess the role of Kiaser Wilhelm II in the direction of German domestic and foreign policy between the years 1900-1914.
Between 1871 and 1890 Otto Von Bismarck had worked hard and skillfully to secure Germany's position in the European hierachy. Alliances formed between Germany and other nations such as Russia and Austria cemented peace within Europe during the 1870's and 1880's, and Germany's isolation of France (whom Prussia had defeated in 1871) could continue. The use of realpolitik showed a government that was progressive and willing to compromise. What Germany needed after Bismarck had served his time, was a leader who could maintain alliances but still take Germany forward. However decisions such as ousting Bismarck from his position as Chancellor, served only to highlight Kaiser Wilhelm II's intention to actively seek a personal rule based on his 'divine right of kings' , that would disgruntle the percariously balanced situation in Europe. Since the Kaiser had the power to appoint members of government, the Reichstag had very little power as officials were responsible to the Kaiser. Wilhelm II determined the parameters of what was and was not possiblein terms of policy. His power over the chancellor and government officials effectively gave him supreme ruling power within the 'sham democracy'. The kaiser persued the policy of 'weltpolitik' as was his desire to transform Germany into a world super power, whether or not it alienated Britain, something Bismarck had aimed to prevent. Soon stemmed the implementation of plans to expand the navy to give the German Empire parity with Britain in naval warfare. The Navy League set up by Tirpitz in 1898 was designed to garner massive support of the plans to expand the navy. The bill of 1898 provided for a fleet of 19 battleships, 12 large cruisers, 30 small cruisers, and assorted smaller ships. Two years later, the Navy Law of 1900 authorized the further expansion of the
Between 1871 and 1890 Otto Von Bismarck had worked hard and skillfully to secure Germany's position in the European hierachy. Alliances formed between Germany and other nations such as Russia and Austria cemented peace within Europe during the 1870's and 1880's, and Germany's isolation of France (whom Prussia had defeated in 1871) could continue. The use of realpolitik showed a government that was progressive and willing to compromise. What Germany needed after Bismarck had served his time, was a leader who could maintain alliances but still take Germany forward. However decisions such as ousting Bismarck from his position as Chancellor, served only to highlight Kaiser Wilhelm II's intention to actively seek a personal rule based on his 'divine right of kings' , that would disgruntle the percariously balanced situation in Europe. Since the Kaiser had the power to appoint members of government, the Reichstag had very little power as officials were responsible to the Kaiser. Wilhelm II determined the parameters of what was and was not possiblein terms of policy. His power over the chancellor and government officials effectively gave him supreme ruling power within the 'sham democracy'. The kaiser persued the policy of 'weltpolitik' as was his desire to transform Germany into a world super power, whether or not it alienated Britain, something Bismarck had aimed to prevent. Soon stemmed the implementation of plans to expand the navy to give the German Empire parity with Britain in naval warfare. The Navy League set up by Tirpitz in 1898 was designed to garner massive support of the plans to expand the navy. The bill of 1898 provided for a fleet of 19 battleships, 12 large cruisers, 30 small cruisers, and assorted smaller ships. Two years later, the Navy Law of 1900 authorized the further expansion of the