Kaiser Wilhelm II

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Start of a new era

  • The German Empire was created in 1871
  • It lasted until 1919 - after WWII
  • Kaiser Wilhelm begain his reign in 1888 - at the age of 29
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Kaiser Wilhelm II

  • Rules like a King
  • Controls army and foreign policy
  • Holds ultimate power 
  • Appoints and dismisses Chancellors
  • Can bypass Bundesrat
  • Can dissolve Reichstag at any time
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Bundesrat

  • More powerful than Reichstag
  • Members are representatives from each state in German Empire
  • Consent needed for all legislation 
  • Only Account to the Kaiser
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Reichstag (German Government)

  • Elected by public every 3 years - 5 years after 1888
  • Members pass or reject legislations handed down by Bundesrat
  • Can't give own legislation
  • No say in who became Chancellor
  • No say in who served in Government
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Chancellor

  • Runs Reichstag
  • Proposes new legislation
  • Doesn't need support of Reichstag or Bundesrat to stay in power
  • Had more influence than Reichstag and Bundesrat
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Kaiser's Views

  • Disliked democracy and working with Reichstag
  • Placed trust in army
  • Relied on Military Advisors on important decisions
  • Preferred Militarism - strengthening army and navy
  • Wanted to make Germany a world power
  • Liked traditional class system - Upper class held most power
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