Germany before WWI

What is Germany’s location problem?

Germany has a problem of being encircled ;

• France in the west

• Russia in the east

• Austria + Ottomans in the south

What is the history of Germany’s creation.

• 1871, Franco-Prussian war, Prussia defeats France, before 1871 Germany was a series of separate kingdoms.

• The treaty of Frankfurt occurs; France pays compensation and gives land to Prussia.

• Germany is unified by Prussian states, later Germany has a desire to create a nation.

Who was the ruler of Germany before WWI?

Kaiser Wilhem II (1890 - 1918)

• Ignored social + economic change to protect elite power.

• Preoccupied with foreign policy.

• Paralysed arm at a young age so he needed to prove his power

• 4 chancellors before him left therefore KWII had more direct power by imperial constitution.

• Very erratic and sensitive to ctitics.

How was the industry of Germany before WWI?

• Germany economy expanded - manufacturing goods 500% increase compared to the UK.

• In 1914, Germany produce 2/3 of Europe steel, more than ½ of coal and led the way in electrics and chemicals.

• Population growth from 41 to 67.7 million leading to increase in labour.

• Germany banks granted long term loans which boosted investments.

How was the millitary of Germany before WWI?

• Bismark (the first chancellor) initially avoided war to strengthen the country peacefully, however he later changed due to a want of an empire. Why? ;

  • Germany was running out of time as it was recently created, others had colonised already.

  • He was also pressured by the citizens.

  • He desired long term empire building

  • And to demonstrate Germanp ower.