Kaiser Wilhelm and difficulties of ruling Germany (1)

Who was Kaiser of Germany from 1888–1918?

Kaiser Wilhelm II

What powers did the Kaiser hold?

Appoint/dismiss the Chancellor, control the army, manage foreign policy, dissolve Reichstag

Why was parliamentary government a challenge for the Kaiser?

Reichstag gained influence, political parties pressured government, growing demands from urban workers

What role did Prussian militarism play in German politics?

Army officers advised the Kaiser and resisted reforms; dominated government and society

Why was the Chancellor limited in power?

He was appointed by the Kaiser, could ignore Reichstag, and could be dismissed at any time

How did industrialisation affect politics?

Rapid urbanisation created large working-class populations who supported socialist movements

Which political party grew as a result of industrialisation?

Social Democratic Party (SPD)

How did social reforms aim to reduce tensions?

Laws limiting child labor, women’s work hours, and Sunday work were introduced to reduce SPD support

What was the domestic importance of the Navy Laws?

Built nationalism, strengthened support for the Kaiser, and increased naval power to rival Britain

How did foreign policy ambitions complicate Wilhelm’s rule?

Weltpolitik and naval expansion created tension with Britain, France, and Russia