Kaiser Wilhelm II and the German Monarchy

• When was the German Empire created?

  1871
• Who ruled the German Empire from 1888 to 1918?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What happened to the German Empire in 1918?

  It was demolished after Wilhelm II abdicated
• Who were Wilhelm II's powerful relatives?

  Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and King George V of England
• What was the role of the Kaiser in the German government?

  The Kaiser was the most powerful figure and controlled the army and foreign policy
• What was the Reichstag?

  A German parliament created alongside the Kaiser
• How much power did the Reichstag actually hold?

  It held little power in reality
• What power did the Kaiser have over the Chancellor?

  The Kaiser could appoint and dismiss the Chancellor at any time
• What was the Bundestrat?

  A council made up of representatives from each state in the German Empire
• What was required for legislation to pass in the Bundestrat?

  Its consent was needed, but could be overruled by the Kaiser
• How often were members of the Reichstag elected?

  Every three years
• What significant change occurred in the Reichstag elections after 1888?

  Members could pass direct legislation handed down by the Bundestrat
• What role did the Prussian army play in Germany's unification?

  It played a very important role in the unification in 1871
• What system did Kaiser Wilhelm II adopt to strengthen Germany?

  He adopted militarism to increase Germany's military power
• What economic changes occurred in Germany between 1890 and 1920?

  Iron and coal production doubled, and new industries thrived
• How did industrialization affect the German population?

  It created new jobs and increased the population of cities
• What was the impact of the working class expansion on German society?

  The working class played a bigger role, but faced poor working conditions
• What political movement rose due to the poor conditions of the working class?

  There was a massive rise in socialism, leading to the growth of the SPD
• What did Kaiser Wilhelm II fear regarding the SPD?

  He feared a revolution to overthrow the monarchy
• What social issues arose from the population growth in Germany?

  There was a desperate need for better living and working conditions
• How did the government respond to the demands for reform?

  The government was reluctant to pass any reforms
• How many seats did the SPD have in the Reichstag in 1887?

  11 seats
• How many seats did the SPD have in the Reichstag by 1903?

  81 seats
• What was the significance of trade unions by 1914?

  About 3.3 million people were involved in trade unions
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II view the SPD and trade unions?

  He saw them as a threat and feared a socialist revolution
• What was the Workers Protection Act of 1891?

  An attempt to introduce social reforms to improve workplace safety
• What was the foreign policy known as Weltpolitik?

  It focused on expanding German territory and armed forces
• What was the first Navy Law passed by the Kaiser?

  It aimed to build and improve Germany's naval fleet
• How many battleships were included in the German fleet by 1900?

  19 battleships
• What was the purpose of the 17-year navy expansion plan?

  It was an act of propaganda to promote patriotism
• What happened to the SPD seats in the Reichstag in 1907?

  The SPD lost 36 seats
• By 1912, what was the status of the SPD in the Reichstag?

  It was again the largest party
• What were the key features of the German government under Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  • The Kaiser was the most powerful figure
  • The Reichstag had little real power
  • The Chancellor managed the government
  • The Bundestrat required consent for legislation
  • The SPD and trade unions posed threats to the monarchy
• What were the social and economic changes in Germany between 1890 and 1920?

  • Iron and coal production doubled
  • New industries like chemical manufacturing thrived
  • Population of cities increased
  • Working class expanded but faced poor conditions
  • Rise in socialism and growth of the SPD
• What were Kaiser Wilhelm II's responses to the rise of socialism?

  • Passed the Workers Protection Act in 1891
  • Adopted Weltpolitik to expand territory and military
  • Implemented Navy Laws to build naval power
  • Attempted to divert attention from socialist movements
• What was the impact of the SPD and trade unions on German politics?

  • SPD seats in the Reichstag increased significantly
  • Trade unions involved millions by 1914
  • Political unrest made it difficult for the Kaiser to govern
  • Upper classes feared the growth of working-class power