To what extent were the policies of Wilhelm II the principle cause of World War One?

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To what extent were the policies of Wilhelm II the principle cause of World War One?

There are many causes of World War One, and they are all major contributors to the start of the conflict in the August of 1914. In this essay I will discuss the major causes of the First World War, and the significance of the actions of Wilhelm II. First of all, I will give a brief section of background and general information about Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Wilhelm II (known as Kaiser Wilhelm) (1859-1941), was the emperor of Germany 1888-1918, grandson of Queen Victoria. After forcing his chief minister, Bismarck, to resign in 1890 he proved unable to exercise a strong or consistent influence over German policies, which became increasingly militaristic in foreign affairs. He was unable to prevent the outbreak of the First World War (1914), and was vilified by Allied propaganda as the author of the conflict. In 1918 he went into exile in Holland and abdicated his throne.

By the early 20th century, the countries of Western Europe had reached a high level of material prosperity. However, competition for trade markets and imperial possessions worldwide had led to a growth of nationalistic sentiment. This nationalism created great political tension between the single - nation states such as France and Germany, and threatened the stability of multi - nation states such as Austria - Hungary. These tensions were reflected in jingoistic propaganda, an arms race between the major powers, and trade barriers and tariffs, which exacerbated tensions further.
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In Germany, the close involvement of the military aristocracy in politics and commerce gave these tensions a militaristic slant. Germany's existence as a unified state dated only from 1870, and its late start in the European scramble for world empires prompted some Germans to look to territorial expansion in Europe itself as a means of making up lost ground. This attitude built on a deep - seated German fear of ` the Russian menace ´.

Even the least militaristic of Germans understood the need for access to raw materials, ready - made trade markets, and outlets in ...

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