• Introduced by Bernhard von Bülow (1897), Weltpolitik = ‘world politics’ aimed at expanding Germany’s overseas.
2. Impact:
• Led to colonial ambitions, naval expansion & humiliation in foreign policy → failure to gain colonies, strengthened vs Germany, contributed to WW1.
• 1895: Kruger Telegram
• Wilhelm congratulated Boer President after defeating British raid → angered Britain.
• During Boer War (1899-1902), Germany supported Boers (weapons, medical aid) → worsened relations w. Britain.
• 1898: Kiaochow
• Germany seized (China), forced Chinese govt to lease it as naval base → triggered European powers’ scramble for concessions & Boxer Rebellion.
• 1900: Boxer Rebellion
• Wilhelm sent troops to China w/o consulting Chancellor/Reichstag, calling for brutality (“like the Huns”).
Wilhelm's friend Count Waldersee sent, but rebellion ended before his arrival → limited success.
• 1905: First Moroccan Crisis
• Wilhelm promised to protect Morocco, angering France. At Conference (1906), Britain & France forced Germany to back down.
• 1911: Agadir Crisis
• Germany sent gunboat to Morocco → again forced to retreat by Britain/France.
Case Study: Wilhelm’s Jerusalem Visit (1897)
1. Visit to Ottoman Empire:
• Secured dock construction in , trade deals (weapons, steel), blamed Britain for Ottoman issues.
2. Palestine:
• Visited German settlers, attended dedication of Protestant church, received the (where the Virgin Mary died → gifted to German Catholics) → angered France & Pope.
3. Damascus Speech:
• Declared himself protector of Protestants, Catholics & Muslims → marked start of Germany’s [‘Drive to the East’].
Weltpolitik in Home Policy
1. Purpose:
• Wilhelm used Weltpolitik to foster trade, nationalism & political support (backed by industrialists, middle class, Reichstag).
- Conflicted w. German Army (wanted funds diverted).
- Created govt debt &
tax increases → Reichstag resisted further spending.
- Opposed by Social Democrats (feared war).
- Interview (1908): Kaiser’s remarks angered Britain & Germans → public backlash, Wilhelm curtailed his personal political role.
Case Study: Daily Telegraph Interview (1908)
1. Remarks:
• Wilhelm insulted Britain (“mad as ”) but also claimed friendship. Stressed need for strong navy → viewed as threat in Britain, provoked divisions in Germany.
2. Aftermath:
• German press/public outcry; Reichstag demanded limits on Wilhelm’s power.
• Wilhelm issued conciliatory note promising restraint.
Weltpolitik in Foreign Policy
1. Definition:
• Introduced by Bernhard von Bülow (1897), Weltpolitik = ‘world politics’ aimed at expanding Germany’s EMPIRE overseas.
2. Impact:
• Led to colonial ambitions, naval expansion & humiliation in foreign policy → failure to gain colonies, strengthened ENTENTE vs Germany, contributed to WW1.
• 1895: Kruger Telegram
• Wilhelm congratulated Boer President KRUGER after defeating British raid → angered Britain.
• During Boer War (1899-1902), Germany supported Boers (weapons, medical aid) → worsened relations w. Britain.
• 1898: Kiaochow
• Germany seized KIAOCHOW (China), forced Chinese govt to lease it as naval base → triggered European powers’ scramble for concessions & Boxer Rebellion.
• 1900: Boxer Rebellion
• Wilhelm sent troops to China w/o consulting Chancellor/Reichstag, calling for brutality (“like the Huns”).
Wilhelm's friend Count Waldersee sent, but rebellion ended before his arrival → limited success.
• 1905: First Moroccan Crisis
• Wilhelm promised to protect Morocco, angering France. At ALGECIRAS Conference (1906), Britain & France forced Germany to back down.
• 1911: Agadir Crisis
• Germany sent gunboat to Morocco → again forced to retreat by Britain/France.
Case Study: Wilhelm’s Jerusalem Visit (1897)
1. Visit to Ottoman Empire:
• Secured dock construction in ISTANBUL, trade deals (weapons, steel), blamed Britain for Ottoman issues.
2. Palestine:
• Visited German settlers, attended dedication of Protestant church, received the DORMITION (where the Virgin Mary died → gifted to German Catholics) → angered France & Pope.
3. Damascus Speech:
• Declared himself protector of Protestants, Catholics & Muslims → marked start of Germany’s DRANG NACH OSTEN [‘Drive to the East’].
Weltpolitik in Home Policy
1. Purpose:
• Wilhelm used Weltpolitik to foster trade, nationalism & political support (backed by industrialists, middle class, Reichstag).
- Conflicted w. German Army (wanted funds diverted).
- Created govt debt & tax increases → Reichstag resisted further spending.
- Opposed by Social Democrats (feared war).
- DAILY TELEGRAPH Interview (1908): Kaiser’s remarks angered Britain & Germans → public backlash, Wilhelm curtailed his personal political role.
Case Study: Daily Telegraph Interview (1908)
1. Remarks:
• Wilhelm insulted Britain (“mad as MARCH HARES”) but also claimed friendship. Stressed need for strong navy → viewed as threat in Britain, provoked divisions in Germany.
2. Aftermath:
• German press/public outcry; Reichstag demanded limits on Wilhelm’s power.
• Wilhelm issued conciliatory note promising restraint.
