Wilhelmine Germany Overview

Lesson Snapshot:

Kaiser William II, 29, was ambitious, strong willed and wanted to play an active role in decision-making but he did not get along with Bismarck. Bismarck lacked support in the Reichstag and as he could not accept William’s interference over policy he was eventually forced to resign as Chancellor on 18th March 1890.

So what was Germany like when Wilhelmine took over from Bismarck?

Germany Economy

Despite the occasional downturns in German trade in 1893 and 1901 the period called Wilhelmine Germany was one of sustained growth.

There was an increase in coal, iron and textiles production. Germany became a world leader in more sophisticated areas of manufacturing e.g. chemicals, steel and electrics.

By 1914 Germany was an industrial superpower. Two German firms, AEG and Siemens, dominated the world’s electrical manufacturing production, and Germany led in pharmaceuticals, dyes and motor construction.

The expanding population provided plenty of young labour. Germany was fortunate in natural resources. Germany also had two important navigable rivers.

Industrialisation was also helped by the unique relationship between banks and industries. There was no state control of banks and from 1890 onwards they financed massive investment in industry with cheap long-term loans

Worksheet Fact File:

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• Lesson fact file on Wilhelmine Germany.
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