The phrase "our place in the sun", describing one's belief in an entitlement, was used by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a speech delivered at Hamburg "No one can dispute with us the place in the sun that is our due".
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm want to build the Kaiserliche Empire?
This was necessary, he believed, so that the German people could enjoy their “place in the sun”. The Kaiser envisioned a German-speaking empire that rivalled the size and commercial power of the British. He also wanted to play a personal role in its construction and its management.
What are some interesting facts about Kaiser Wilhelm II?
Wilhelm II was a Hohenzollern royal and the Kaiser (emperor) of Germany from 1888 to the end of World War I. 2. Born with a slight physical deformity, Wilhelm endured a difficult childhood that rendered him insecure and anxious. 3. Wilhelm was a man of some intelligence but could be lazy, stubborn, short-tempered and intolerant of other views.
What did Kaiser Wilhelm do in the years of exile?
Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Years of Exile. Wilhelm II (1859-1941), the German kaiser (emperor) and king of Prussia from 1888 to 1918, was one of the most recognizable public figures of World War I (1914-18). He gained a reputation as a swaggering militarist through his speeches and ill-advised newspaper interviews.
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II change the name of the British royal family?
Kaiser Wilhelm II was reportedly amused when he heard his cousin King George V (1865-1936) had changed the name of the British royal family from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917 as a result of anti-German sentiment in Britain during World War I. Wilhelm’s childhood was shaped by two events,...
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What did Germany mean by place in the sun?
In 1897 German chancellor Bernhard von Bulow told the Reichstag, “We do not want to put anyone into the shade, but we demand a place for ourselves in the sun.” The ensuing quest for a “place in the sun,” connoting both new colonial holdings and a belt of naval stations ringing the world, inaugurated a vigorous, largely ...
Who said Germany must have its place in the sun?
Bernhard von BülowBernhard von Bülow (1849-1929), who served as Reich chancellor from 1900 to 1909, gave his famous speech on Germany's “place in the sun” when he was foreign minister. His vision of Germany as a colonial power became the ideological foundation of German naval expansion, which began shortly thereafter.
What did the Kaiser want Germany to be like?
The Kaiser wanted to increase Germany's power on the world stage through the expansion of naval power and creating German colonies in Africa. This was called Weltpolitik. The Kaiser's desire for power required a strong army and navy.
Who said our future lies upon the water?
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Large allegorical painting by German artist Arthur Fitger (1840-1909) encased in a large ornate frame from the Norddeutscher Lloyd ship Kronprinz Wilhelm. The image was created to exemplify the emperor's statement "our future lies upon the water".
What does a Place in the Sun mean history?
Definition of place in the sun : a very good, successful, or desirable position After years of struggling as an unknown actor, he has finally found his/a place in the sun.
When did Kaiser say Place in the Sun?
Speech to the North German Regatta Association, 1901 In spite of the fact that we have no such fleet as we should have, we have conquered for ourselves a place in the sun.
Who would be Kaiser today?
Georg Friedrich Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia (born 10 June 1976) is a German businessman who is the current head of the Prussian branch of the House of Hohenzollern, the former ruling dynasty of the German Empire and of the Kingdom of Prussia.
Was Kaiser Wilhelm a good person?
Kaiser of Germany Wilhelm was an intelligent man, but emotionally unstable and a poor leader. After two years as Kaiser, he dismissed the current chancellor and famous German leader Otto von Bismarck and replaced him with his own man. He blundered many times in his diplomacy with foreign nations.
What powers did the Kaiser have?
The constitution of the Empire's central government was a complicated one, made up of several different bodies: The Emperor (Kaiser) – Head of the armed forces, controlled foreign policy, and appointed the Chancellor. The Chancellor – In charge of the government and had authority over the Bundesrat.
Why did William 11 want Germany to gain a place in the sun?
Wilhelm II wanted Germany to look internationally and should seek 'a place in the sun'. He wanted Germany to have a work policy or weltpolitik. The Kaiser looked longingly at the empires of France and Britain in Africa and the Far East, and believed that Germany should have the same.
What is meant by Weltpolitik?
: participation in the discussion and decision of international problems : international politics.
When was the Reinsurance Treaty?
June 18, 1887Reinsurance Treaty, (June 18, 1887), a secret agreement between Germany and Russia arranged by the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck after the German-Austrian-Russian Dreikaiserbund, or Three Emperors' League, collapsed in 1887 because of competition between Austria-Hungary and Russia for spheres of influence in the ...
What was Wilhelm II's foreign policy called?
He also wanted to play a personal role in its construction and its management. The more assertive foreign policy under Wilhelm II became known as Weltpolitik (‘world politics’). It differed significantly to Bismarck’s Realpolitik, a more pragmatic approach that acknowledged the complex realities of European relations.
How old was Wilhelm the Kaiser?
In 1888, 29-year-old Wilhelm became the Kaiser of Germany following the death of his father, who had ruled for barely three months. His ascension to the throne marked a new direction in Hohenzollern rule. Wilhelm’s grandfather, Wilhelm I (1861-88) had been, for the most part, a symbolic monarch.
Why was Wilhelm II interested in Germany?
Germany’s ‘place in the sun’. Wilhelm II’s main interest was in expanding the power, prestige and size of the German Empire. This was necessary, he believed, so that the German people could enjoy their “place in the sun”. The Kaiser envisioned a German-speaking empire that rivalled the size and commercial power of the British.
What happened in 1905?
In 1905, a poorly-timed state visit to Morocco heightened suspicions in France that the Kaiser had imperialist ambitions there. This helped hasten the signing of an Anglo-French alliance.
What newspaper published Wilhelm II's interview?
In 1908, a London newspaper, the Daily Telegraph , published what it claimed was an interview with Wilhelm II. It was, in fact, a series of notes by a British officer, though the words were certainly the Kaiser’s and he approved their publication in the press.
What did Wilhelm show as a young man?
As a youth, Wilhelm showed a great deal of admiration for the British and their empire. He paid several visits to England and to his grandmother, Queen Victoria. He was especially captivated by the size and firepower of England’s Royal Navy, telling the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII) that he hoped one day to “have a fleet of my own”.
What was Wilhelm's personality?
Personality. As a teenager, Wilhelm showed a quick mind and an aptitude for history and the sciences. He was also stubborn, arrogant, moody and prone to frightening outbursts and tantrums. Like other Prussian scions, the young prince was given training as a cavalry officer.
What was Wilhelm II's temperment?
Wilhelm II was determined to involved himself in the work of government and as a result many of his Chancellors did not enjoy the freedom to govern like Bismarck had during his time as Chancellor. There was however, a problem. Wilhelm II did not have the temperment to govern effectively. He was prone to rages and an unstable mood. He was also paranoid about his withered left hand.
Who succeeded Wilhelm I?
Wilhelm II became Kaiser in 1888 when he was 29. He had succeeded his grandfather Wilhelm I. Wilhelm had different ideas about how Germany was going to be governed in the New German Empire. This ideas differed significantly to those of his father. Wilhelm I had been happy for the German Chancellor to take on the responsibility for governing Germany, whilst he played the role of ceremonial monarch.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's first year?
Contents. Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Early Years. Emperor and King: 1888. Kaiser Wilhelm II and World War I. Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Years of Exile. Wilhelm II (1859-1941), the German kaiser (emperor) and king of Prussia from 1888 to 1918, was one of the most recognizable public figures of World War I (1914-18). He gained a reputation as a swaggering ...
What did Bismarck predict about Wilhelm?
Bismarck bitterly predicted that Wilhelm would lead Germany to ruin. Wilhelm damaged his political position in a number of ways. He meddled in German foreign policy on the basis of his emotions, resulting in incoherence and inconsistency in German relations with other nations.
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm change the name of the British royal family?
Did you know? Kaiser Wilhelm II was reportedly amused when he heard his cousin King George V (1865-1936) had changed the name of the British royal family from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917 as a result of anti-German sentiment in Britain during World War I.
What did Kaiser think of the events of 1914?
In addition, the kaiser was out of touch with the realities of international politics in 1914; he thought that his blood relationships to other European monarchs were sufficient to manage the crisis that followed the June 1914 assassination of the Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914) in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
What did Wilhelm say to the British?
Wilhelm gave an interview to the London-based newspaper in which he offended the British by saying such things as: “You English are mad, mad, mad as March hares.”.
What was Wilhelm's political event?
The political event that shaped Wilhelm was the formation of the German Empire under the leadership of Prussia in 1871.
Where was Kaiser Wilhelm born?
Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Early Years. Kaiser Wilhelm II was born in Potsdam, Germany, on January 27, 1859, the son of Prince Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia (1831-88) and Princess Victoria (1840-1901), the oldest daughter of Queen Victoria (1819-1901). The future monarch was the queen’s firstborn grandchild and was genuinely fond of her; in fact, ...
How does Wilhelm address the pettiness he sees in people's lives?
At one point in his speech, Wilhelm addresses the pettiness he sees in peoples’ lives but covers his insult by softening his words. He does so by stating they have now learned to look beyond what is by looking to distant shores. This statement strikes me as interesting. While on the surface it seems harmless, one truly uncovers the rudeness of Wilhelm’s suggestion when they ponder his sentiment. This caused me to think about politicians who say one thing but mean another. In light of this, listeners would be well-served to pay attention and to listen for subtle ideas hidden between the lines.
What was the last country to respond to the race for the Americas?
Germany was one of the last countries in Europe to respond in the race for the Americas and were, consequently, unable to conquer for themselves “…a place in the sun.” The excerpt from Kaiser Wilhelm’s speech to the North German Regatta Association (1901) emphasizes the pride Wilhelm II felt regarding their conquered land. He takes his pride a step further by attempting to inspire fellow Germans to pick up and go to one of the ancient Hanseatic cities.
What is the text book of Wilhelm's speech?
The text book talks about how William was the first Emperor of unified German, yet Wilhelm’s speech was given thirteen years after Williams reign. His speech helps define what Germany was like at the time and depicts its political ambitions of the day. Speech to the Northern Germans is an example of their politics and how it evolved from the beginning of the countries unification. The text book gives an idea of the beginning and the Speech continues to describe the transition of Germany.
