How far do the sources support the view that Germany was warlike and aggressive in its foreign policy in the years 1899-1914?
How far do the sources support the view that Germany was warlike and aggressive in its foreign policy in the years 1899-1914?
Sources one to six do support the view that Germany was warlike and aggressive in its foreign policy in the years 1899-1914. There are many reasons for her aggressive like behavior. Germany believed they were being “encircled” by the other powers of Europe.
The most important factor for other countries belief of this was there increasing involvement with “Weltpolitik” or Germanys World Policy. The other powers believed this new policy passed a great threat. This policy was now emphasized on expansion, especially over-seas and the creation of a huge navy. Firstly, it undoubtedly reflected the mentality and hostility of the Kaiser. Source one is a speech to the people of Germany, convincing them that Welpolitik is a good thing and it will bring prosperity to Germany, however he is telling the people what they want to hear, so this could be untrue or biased and therefore not very reliable, “without a strong military and a strong navy there can be no welfare for us” (Prince Von Bulow, 1899). The main core of the Weltpolik was Bernard von Bulow, Johannes von Miguel and Alfred Von Tripitz. However is Weltpolitik essentially an element in the solution of Germanys economic problems?