Foreign Policy of Kaiser Wilhelm II Notes

Wilhelm II’s New Course

1. Bismarck was dismissed in 1890.
   1. Kaiser Wilhelm II adopted a more aggressive foreign policy (Weltpolitik), leading to the non-renewal of the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, pushing Russia toward France.
2. Franco-Russian Alliance (1894):
   1. France and Russia, both diplomatically isolated, signed a military alliance.
   2. France gained a powerful continental partner, and Russia got financial support for industrialization.
3. Entente Cordiale (1904):
   1. A diplomatic understanding between France and Britain, settling colonial disputes in Africa.
   2. Though not a military alliance, it showed improving Anglo-French relations.
4. Anglo-Russian Entente (1907):
   1. Britain and Russia resolved their colonial rivalries in Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet.
   2. This created the Triple Entente: France, Britain, and Russia, a powerful counterweight to the Triple Alliance.

Impact on International Tensions

1. Polarization of Europe:
   1. The emergence of two rival blocs increased distrust and fear. The alliance system didn’t encourage peace. It made powers more confident in taking risks.
2. Arms Race & Military Planning:
   1. Alliances encouraged countries to prepare for war. The expectation of allied support (e.g., Germany’s support for Austria-Hungary) reduced diplomatic restraint.
3. Unpredictability and Miscalculation:
   1. Secret clauses and vague terms meant that alliances were often misunderstood. In 1914, leaders made assumptions about how allies would act. Many were totally wrong.
   2. Wilhelm II was ambitious, unpredictable, and eager to assert Germany’s power. He dismissed Bismarck in 1890 and took foreign policy into his own hands.
4. Industrial and military strength fueling confidence
   1. Germany's booming economy and powerful army/navy made leaders believe they deserved more respect and control in world affairs.
5. Internal distractions and political instability
   1. Wilhelm used aggressive foreign policy to distract from domestic issues (e.g., demands for democracy, social unrest).