Kaiser Wilhelm II's Foreign Policy

- Domestic conditions that impacted German foreign policy - Its impact/influence on other countries; including France, Britain, Russia + Austria-Hungary

What was the aim of Kaiser Wilhelm’s ‘Weltpolitik’?

• To transform Germany into a global power through aggressive diplomacy, the acquisition of overseas colonies, and the development of a large navy.

Key aspects of foreign policy

1. Shift away from Bismarck’s ‘Realpolitik’

2. Naval Expansion and the Anglo-German Arms Race

Domestic context of Ger foreign policy

1. Economic and industrial growth

2. Military expansion

3. Nationalism and public sentiment

Economic and industrial growth

• During Wilhelm's reign, Germany experienced rapid industrialisation, becoming one of the world's leading economic powers.

• This economic boom, coupled with advances in technology and industry, bolstered Germany's military capabilities and imperial ambitions.

Military expansion

• Wilhelm's keen interest in military affairs led to significant expansion of the German Army and Navy.

• This military build-up was driven both by a desire to compete with other European powers, especially Britain- but to gain its approval + friendship, and by the belief that a strong military was essential for Germany's status as a world power.

Nationalism and public sentiment

• There was a rise in nationalist sentiment within Germany, military still highly respected/esteemed.

• The public often supported Wilhelm's aggressive foreign policy, viewing it as a means to assert Germany's rightful place as a leading European power.

What was weltpolitik’s brief impact on European relations?

Britain

• The naval race and colonial rivalry led to strained relations

• Eroded the latter's previous policy of “splendid isolation” (no permanent alliances); pushing it closer to France and Russia.

France & Russia

• Wilhelm’s dismissal of Bismarck allowed the Reinsurance treaty w Russia (remain neutral w most third parties) to lapse and

• Ger’s challenges to French interests in Morroco contributed to the formation of the Franco-Russian Alliance, which later evolved into the Triple Entente with Britain.

Austria-Hungary

• Alliance solidified under Wilhelm- deeply involving Germany in the volatile politics of the Balkans

• This would later be a flashpoint for the outbreak of World War I.

FP impact on Britain

Weltpolitik

• ‘space in the sun’ threatened Br’s hegemony as colonial power

• Germany as powerful industrial country had potential to compete w Br

• Worried Ger expansion in Africa could negatively affect British

• Br+Fr in middle of colonising Africa

German Naval Laws

• Increased naval vessel production made Br feel forced to compete

• To fund royal navy- had to rely on taxpayers so taxes increased, as did public resentment

Arms Race

• Second industrial revolution bolstered innovative capabilities of both countries- increasing competition

Moroccan Crises

• Ger’s failed attempts to break off Cordiale brought Br+Fr closer (as German constant involvement in affairs)- tension in Morocco encouraged all powers to arm

Balkan War

• German unwavering support to Aus-H (blank cheque) escalated countries involved in war.

• AKA Germany might not have invaded Belgium- Schlieffen Plan + Br maybe not involved

Why was the Schlieffen plan impactful?

Germany’s willingness to invade Belgium angered British gov, even pacifists

• German gamble on British not interfering backfired

• Confirmed British involvement in WWI

FP impact on France

• Franco-Prussian War cost Fr Alsace Lorraine- sparked huge revanchist (revenge) movement against Ger

• Ger’s failure to renew Reinsurance treaty gave Fr opportunity to gain Rus as ally + Ger faced 2 front war- tensions increased

• Revanchism + Ger Moroccan interference brought Br+Fr closer together- diplomatic revolution

• Ger’s rapid expansion made Fr FP go to great lengths to try isolate Ger- getting Rus+Br allies

FP impact on Russia

Bismarck’s ‘Dreikaiserbund’ tried prevent facing 2 front war- appease Russia

UNDER KAISER, Ger kept making alliances w Russia collapse:

• Refused to mediate joint interests in Balkans; gave up on alliance + allowed Reinsurance Treaty to lapse

FORCED Rus to find new allies;

• France very willing

• Ger fears of a 2 FRONT WAR

Ger VERY unwilling to sacrifice alliance w Aus-H

• Meant pitting itself against Rus in Balkans

• Humiliated Rus when allowed Aus-H to annex Bosnia + gain more power where russia wanted it- RESULTED in Rus MASSIVE rearmament programme

FP impact on Austria-Hungary

After allowed Reinsurance T to lapse, Aus-H Ger’s main ally

• Would have to support Ger militarily in case of war w other EU powers

• Gave unconditional support via ’blank cheque’ during conflict w Serbia (ultimatum…war)

• Ger’s policy of ‘sooner than later’ (go to war whilst still had upper hand in arms); meant Ger had to support Aus-H to start war w Serbia

Diplomatic failures of Weltpolitik

• Dismissal of Bismarck and Diplomatic Isolation

• Moroccan Crises

Dismissal of Bismarck and Diplomatic Isolation

• Led to the lapse of the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, a critical mistake that pushed Russia into the arms of France, Germany's traditional adversary.

What was the Reinsurance Treaty of 1887?

Reinsurance Treaty 1887:

Diplomatic agreement between Germany and Russia agreeing to remain neutral if the other member was under attack by a great power.

NOT APPLICABLE if Germany attacked France or Russia attacked Austria-H!

Why did Kaiser Wilhelm allow the Reinsurance treaty of 1887 to lapse?

He wanted to tighten relations with Austria-Hungary- to keep Germany from diplomatic isolation.

AS A RESULT France jumped in to ally with Russia

Germany faced a TWO FRONT WAR; Russia and France…led to Schlieffen Plan

Moroccan Crises

• Wilhelm's interventions in Morocco in 1905 and 1911, aimed at testing the resolve of the Anglo-French Entente, backfired, only serving to solidify the alliance against Germany.

Prelude to WW1

• Wilhelm’s blank cheque to Aus-H played a crucial role in the escalation of the crisis into a full-scale war.

• Wilhelm and his advisors underestimation of the Entente Cordiale, particularly the likelihood of British involvement in a continental war- full scale war.

• Close relations in Aus-H tied Ger into Balkan politics- turned small balkan conflict into large war

Analysis (impact on WW1+ historical perspectives)

• Impact on WW1: While not the sole cause, Wilhelm's foreign policy significantly contributed to the conditions leading to World War I. His policies created an environment of tension and rivalry among the great powers of Europe.

• Historical Perspectives: Historians are divided on Wilhelm's competence as a leader. Some view him as a misguided ruler whose blunders led to disaster, while others see him as a ruler overtaken by the rapidly changing dynamics of international politics.