G3 Government and opposition, 1888-1914

• How old was Kaiser Wilhelm II when he took power?

  27 years old
• What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's outward appearance contrasted with his true character?

  Confident but nervous and unpredictable
• What nickname did Kaiser Wilhelm II earn due to his frequent travels?

  'Reisekaiser' or 'travelling Emperor'
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II relate to others in social situations?

  Superficially, struggled with deeper connections
• What did Kaiser Wilhelm II adore in public settings?

  Public ceremony and military uniforms
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II react to criticism?

  He was sensitive and had wild outbursts
• What was notable about Kaiser Wilhelm II's sense of humor?

  It bordered on the sadistic
• What physical condition did Kaiser Wilhelm II have at birth?

  A limp left arm and defective hearing
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II's upbringing affect his personality?

  It made him introverted and emotionally disturbed
• What did Kaiser Wilhelm II learn to become competent in despite his disabilities?

  Horse-riding and sailing
• What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's educational background?

  He learned more from military life
• Who were Kaiser Wilhelm II's parents?

  Frederick of Prussia and Victoria
• What political stance did Kaiser Wilhelm II inherit from his father?

  A love of Prussian military tradition
• What was the significant political change Wilhelm II made regarding the Chancellor's power?

  He wanted ultimate power for himself
• Who was Philipp zu Eulenburg in relation to Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  A close favorite and political advisor
• What happened to Philipp zu Eulenburg in 1908?

  His reputation was ruined by an accusation
• What was Baron Friedrich von Holstein's role under Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  He controlled foreign affairs
• What was General Leo Caprivi's position from 1890 to 1894?

  Chancellor of Germany
• What was a key challenge Caprivi faced as Chancellor?

  Difficulty controlling the Reichstag
• What significant political event occurred in 1890?

  Resignation of Bismarck
• What was the 'new course' Caprivi set for German politics?

  End of Anti-Socialist Law and social reforms
• How did Caprivi's reforms affect different social groups?

  Welcomed by many but opposed by conservatives
• What did Caprivi agree to in 1893 regarding military service?

  Reduced from three to two years
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II interfere with Caprivi's policies?

  He obstructed church control over education
• What was the Schlieffen Plan?

  A military strategy for a two-front war
• Why did Wilhelm demand higher taxes during Caprivi's chancellorship?

  To support increased military expenditure
• Who was Prince Hohenlohe?

  A Bavarian aristocrat and Chancellor
• Why was Hohenlohe selected as Chancellor?

  He posed no political threat to Wilhelm
• What was the outcome of Hohenlohe's bills against socialist subversion?

  Both were rejected by the Reichstag
• What was the focus of Wilhelm's foreign policy known as 'Weltpolitik'?

  Expansionist foreign policy and naval development
• What was the aim of the Pan-German League?

  To unite ethnic Germans globally
• When was the Agrarian League established?

  1893
• What was the primary aim of the Navy League?

  To promote naval expansion and support
• What was the membership of the Navy League around 1898?

  Approximately 500,000
• What was the purpose of the Imperial League against Social Democracy?

  To curb the growth of socialism
• What were the key political developments from 1890 to 1914 under Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  • 1890: Resignation of Bismarck, Caprivi appointed Chancellor
  • 1894: Hohenlohe appointed Chancellor
  • 1897: Government reorganised, Weltpolitik initiated
  • 1900: Bülow appointed Chancellor
  • 1908: The Daily Telegraph affair
  • 1909: Bethmann-Hollweg appointed Chancellor
  • 1912: SPD becomes largest party in Reichstag
  • 1913: The Zabern Affair
  • 1914: Outbreak of the First World War
• What were the main policies and reforms introduced by General Caprivi during his chancellorship?

  • End of the Anti-Socialist Law
  • More influence for ministers in policy-making
  • Reduction in tariffs
  • Social reforms including:
  • Recognition of trade unions
  • Reduction in working hours
  • Progressive income tax
• What were the aims of the various leagues established during Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign?

  • Pan-German League: Unite ethnic Germans, acquire colonies, suppress socialism
  • Agrarian League: Protect agricultural interests, lobby for tariff protection
  • Industrialists' League: Protect manufacturing interests, promote exports
  • Navy League: Promote naval expansion, support for the navy, pressure for naval bills
  • Imperial League against Social Democracy: Curb socialism
• What was the membership of the organization in 1893?

  c250,000
• Who led the organization with c250,000 members?

  Junkers