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Wilhelm II becomes Kaiser
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Period: to
Germany 1888-1918
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Wilhelm dismisses Bismarck as Chancellor
None of Bismarck's successors were able to or were allowed to take up the mantle of leadership with any kid of real authority. -
Caprivi made Chancellor
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Agrarian League formed
A right- wing pressure group which wanted tarrifs to be raised. 1/3 million people, including junkers, farmers and anybody involved in agircultural industry. -
Army Bill
Chancellor attempted to reducde conscription from 3 to 2 years. This was opposed by Kaiser and the right-wing and was rejected by the Reichstag. -
Hohenlohe made Chancellor
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Navy League formed
Formed by Admiral von Tirpitz who was navy secretary. It had over 2 million supporters. -
Navy League formed
Popular support for this league. 1898 and 1900 Navy Bills under Admiral von Tirpitz -
Bulow made Chancellor
1897 - Weltpolitik initiated -
Schlieffen Plan devised
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Daily Telegraph Affair
Kaiser caused uproar through his controversial comments about British foreign policy during an interview for the Daily Telegraph. He angered the British public and weakened his political position. -
Bethmann made Chancellor
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Zabern Affair
Friction between French inhabitants and German soldiers led to a series of disturbances- 1913 officers ordered the locals to clear the streets. 28 citizens arrested and detained- in one instance an officer used his sabre to cut down a cobbler, hence the name.Led to widespread protests. Army defended itself by claiming it was accountable to Kaiser alone and Wilhlem condoned the action. This affair firmed the divisions in German politics and society. -
WWI begins
Kaiser's position in the 'July Crisis' did not help to prevent the war. -
Wilhelm II abdicates
Kaiser fled to the Netherlands and spent the rest of his life living there in exile.
