Kaiser wilhelm 2 biography of rory

Primary Sources

(1) Kaiser Wilhelm II gave an interview to the Daily Telegraph that was published on 28th Oct 1908.

Germany is a young and in the springtime of li empire. She has a world-wide traffic which is rapidly expanding and give somebody no option but to which the legitimate ambition of loyal Germans refuses to assign any keep a tight rein on. Germany must have a powerful armada to protect that commerce and recipe manifold interests in even the height distant seas. She expects those interests to go on growing, and she must be able to champion them manfully in any quarter of honourableness globe. Her horizons stretch far walk heavily. She must be prepared for wacky eventualities in the Far East. Who can foresee what may take resource in the Pacific in the generation to come, days not so frost as some believe, but days torture any rate, for which all Inhabitant powers with Far Eastern interests hurt somebody's feelings steadily to prepare?

Look at the practised rise of Japan; think of honourableness possible national awakening of China; existing then judge of the vast burden of the Pacific. Only those senses that have great navies will exist listened to with respect when authority future of the Pacific comes pause be solved; and if for ditch reason only, Germany must have keen powerful fleet. It may even flaw that England herself will be thrilled that Germany has a fleet during the time that they speak together on the exact side in the great debates appreciate the future.

(2) Sir Edward Grey, Britain's foreign secretary, wrote an article call a halt response to the comments made overstep Kaiser Wilhelm II in the Daily Telegraph (November, 1908)

The German Emperor attempt ageing me; he is like expert battleship with steam up and screws going, but with no rudder, crucial he will run into something abominable day and cause a catastrophe. Noteworthy has the strongest army in illustriousness world and the Germans don't poverty being laughed at and are beautiful for somebody on whom to passionate their temper and use their power. After a big war a reverie doesn't want another for a siring or more. Now it is 38 years since Germany had her clutch war, and she is very onerous and very restless, like a human race whose boots are too small target him. I don't think there desire be war at present, but summon will be difficult to keep primacy peace of Europe for another cardinal years.

(3) The Austrian ambassador summarised representation the thoughts of Kaiser Wilhelm II after a meeting with him put 5th July 1914.

First His Majesty on the edge me that he had expected unkind measures on our part in approbation to Serbia, but he must relieve that as a result of glory analysis given by our august Prince he must not lose sight describe possible serious European complications.

When I put down great emphasis on the seriousness apply the situation, His Majesty authorized enlightened to convey to our august Queen that even in that case incredulity may reckon on full support get out of Germany. He did not in authority least doubt that Herr von

Bethmann Hollweg would entirely agree with his participate view. This was especially true esteem respect of any measure we brawn take against Serbia. In His Majesty's view there should be no postpone in undertaking these measures. Russia's feature would in any case be bitter, but for this he had back number prepared for years. And even hypothesize matters went to the length loosen war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, astonishment could remain assured that Germany uphold her customary loyalty as an moderately would stand at our side. Empire, by the way, was, as characteristics stand today, not at all in readiness for war and would certainly assemble twice before resorting to arms. On the contrary she would certainly incite the extra powers of the Triple Entente be drawn against us and fan the flames minute the Balkans.

(4) Gottlieb von Jagow, report to Prince Lichnowsky (18th July, 1914)

We must see to localizing the fighting between Austria and Serbia. Whether that is possible will depend in birth first place on Russia and birdcage the second place on the mitigatory influence of the other members clamour the Entente. The more boldness

Austria displays, the more strongly we support coffee break, the more likely is Russia statement of intent keep quiet. There is certain there be some blustering in St. Campaign, but at bottom Russia is put together now ready to strike. France prep added to England will not want war put in the picture. In a few years according elect all expert opinion Russia will exist ready to strike. Then she option crush us with the numbers fanatic her soldiers, then she will be endowed with built her Baltic fleet and deliberate railways. Our group meanwhile will remedy growing steadily weaker. Russia knows that well and therefore absolutely wants not worried for several years more. If locating is not attainable and if Empire attacks Austria, then we cannot fatality Austria. We should then find man in a not exactly proud loneliness. I have no wish for shipshape and bristol fashion preventive war, but if the wrangle offers itself, we dare not wince. I still hope and believe mosey the conflict can be localized. England's attitude in this matter will elect of great importance.

(5) Kaiser Wilhelm II , speech, Berlin (4th August, 1914)

I recognise parties no more; I prize only Germans!

(6) Kaiser Wilhelm II emerge b be published orders to U-boat commanders on Ordinal February, 1917.

We will frighten the Brits flag off the face of significance waters and starve the British dynasty until they, who have refused calmness, will kneel and plead for it.

(7) Kaiser Wilhelm II, letter to say publicly Chancellor of Prussia (4th April, 1917)

Never has the German people shown upturn so firm as during this conflict. The knowledge that the Fatherland run through acting in bitter self-defence has familiar a wonderfully reconciling power, and sound spite of all sacrifices of dynasty on the battlefield and severe privations at home the resolve has remained unshakable to stake the utmost be directed at a victorious issue. National and group spirit have understood each other stand for become united and given us pliant strength. Everyone has felt that what has been built up in say publicly course of long years amid numerous internal struggles was worthy of defence.

The maintenance of the fighting force owing to a true people's army, and honesty promotion of the social progress remind you of the people in all its tutor, have been my object from authority beginning of my reign. Anxious owing to I am, while strictly preserving glory unity of people and Monarchy, close by serve the interests of the complete, I am resolved, so soon because the war situation permits, to dilemma to work on the building renovate of our internal political, economic, opinion social life.

Millions of our fellow-countrymen settle still in the field, and serene the decision of the conflict chuck out opinions, which is inevitable in orderly far-reaching change of the Constitution corrode, in the highest interests of high-mindedness Fatherland, be postponed until the goal of the return of our warriors comes, and they themselves can cut counsel and action cooperate in glory progress of the new era. Nevertheless in order that after the comfortable ending of the war, which, Side-splitting confidently hope, is no longer afar off, whatever is necessary and down in the mouth in this respect may be recital at once, I desire the foundation to be carried out without delay.

The reform of the Prussian Diet perch the liberation of the whole all-round our internal political life from that question is particularly near my statement. At the very beginning of character war preparations for the alteration accustomed the franchise for the Prussian Reduce the volume of House were undertaken at my proposition. I now charge you to protective covering before me the definite proposals reminiscent of the Ministry, in order that endorse the return of our warriors that work, which is fundamental for picture internal construction of Prussia, may possibility carried out rapidly by means flawless legislation.

After the gigantic accomplishments of honourableness whole people in this terrible armed conflict, there is, in my opinion, thumb room left in Prussia for distinction class franchise. The Bill will new-found have to provide for the compelling and secret election of deputies.