1.3.2

Kaiser Wilhelm II's Foreign Policy

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Kaiser Wilhelm II's Foreign Policy

Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to strengthen Germany's position in world affairs.

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Military power

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to strengthen Germany and for it to have its ‘place in the sun’ (overseas colonies).
  • To do this, the Kaiser relied on the military strength of the Prussian state.
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Weltpolitik

  • This meant that the Kaiser’s foreign policy was influenced by military advisors and focussed on making Germany the greatest country in the world.
  • To do this, the Kaiser pursued a policy of Weltpolitik (world policy).

Colonial Tensions

Germany and Britain's colonial ambitions caused conflict between the two nations.

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The Scramble for Africa

  • Colonial tensions between Germany and Great Britain became visible during the Scramble for Africa.
  • This was the mad rush to seize land in Africa in the 1890s.
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Why Africa?

  • Africa was such a valuable continent because of its supply of gold and diamonds.

Jump to other topics

1The Causes of the First World War

2The First World War: Stalemate

3Ending the War

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