15.1.2

German Foreign Policy

Test yourself

Germany's Foreign Policy

Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to strengthen Germany's position in the world and make the German Empire bigger. This caused conflict between Germany and Britain, which had its own large Empire.

Illustrative background for Military powerIllustrative background for Military power ?? "content

Military power

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to strengthen Germany and for it to have its own colonies. At the time, this was known as having its own ‘place in the sun’ (overseas colonies).
  • Prussia, which had become part of Germany had a strong military. The Kaiser realised that he could use Prussia's army to grow overseas.
Illustrative background for WeltpolitikIllustrative background for Weltpolitik ?? "content

Weltpolitik

  • The Kaiser’s foreign policy was influenced by military advisors and focused on making Germany the greatest country in the world.
  • To do this, the Kaiser pursued a policy of Weltpolitik (world policy).
Illustrative background for The Scramble for AfricaIllustrative background for The Scramble for Africa ?? "content

The Scramble for Africa

  • Colonial tensions between Germany and Great Britain became visible during the Scramble for Africa.
  • The Scramble for Africa was a mad rush to capture land in Africa in the 1890s.
Illustrative background for Why did people want land in Africa?Illustrative background for Why did people want land in Africa? ?? "content

Why did people want land in Africa?

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

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson