Germany

What was Germany like in 1914?

By 1914 Germany had the second biggest industrial capacity in the world (after the USA). It had a small empire compared to the other Great Powers.

What was German foreign policy in 1914?

There were 3 main aspects to German foreign policy before 1914:

• ❖ Germany feared encirclement by Russia and France so formed the Triple Alliance in 1882 and increased the size of its army.
• ❖ Kaiser Wilhelm II believed that Germany should have its 'place in the sun' - a large overseas empire befitting its Great Power status. This was called weltpolitik (world policy) and required the building of a large navy.
• ❖ Formed in 1871, Germany upset the balance of power in Europe by defeating France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and creating a rivalry with Russia and Britain.

What was German industry like in 1914?

By 1914, Germany had the second biggest industrial capacity in the world (after the USA).

Who was the leader of Germany in 1914?

The German head of state was a kaiser (emperor). From 1888 this was Kaiser Wilhelm II. He was:

• ❖ An erratic ruler, impulsive and prone to outbursts of rage.
• ❖ An autocrat. Although he was meant to rule alongside his appointed government he often ignored advice from his government ministers.
• ❖ A cousin of King George V and Tsar Nicholas II.
• ❖ Plagued by feelings of inadequacy when Germany was matched against larger empires. This contributed to his decision to go to war in 1914.

What was the German empire like in 1914?

Germany had a small empire compared to the other Great Powers. However, the kaiser had pursued an empire-building policy, which had brought Germany into conflict with Britain and France.

What was the German military like in 1914?

Germany was a powerful military nation by 1914.

• ❖ Militarism and imperialism were important in Germany.
• ❖ The powerful economy enabled Germany to build the largest and most modern army in Europe.
• ❖ Germany challenged Britain for control of the seas.

What was the German government like in 1914?

Germany had an elected parliament and political parties, but the government and all its policies were controlled by the autocratic kaiser. This created great political tension in Germany before 1914.

What was the German population in 1914?

Germany ruled over 65 million citizens internally and another 15 million people in its empire.