Germany before World War I (1914-1918):

Political Structure: The German Empire, established in 1871, was a federal monarchy led by Kaiser
Wilhelm II. It consisted of multiple states, with Prussia being the dominant one.

Military Strength: Germany had a powerful army, the most formidable in Europe, and a growing navy.
This military buildup contributed to the pre-war tensions.

Industrialization: Germany was a rapidly industrializing nation, with a strong economy driven by steel,
chemicals, and machinery production. It was among the world's leading industrial powers.

Imperialism: Like other European powers, Germany pursued imperial ambitions, acquiring colonies in
Africa and the Pacific, leading to competition and conflicts with other colonial powers.

Alliances: Germany was part of the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy. However, tensions
existed within this alliance, and Italy later switched sides.

Franco-German Rivalry: Lingering tensions with France, dating back to the Franco-Prussian War (1870-
1871), contributed to the complex web of alliances and animosities in Europe.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian
throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914, triggered a chain reaction of
events leading to World War I.

Outbreak of World War I: Germany, aligned with Austria-Hungary, declared war on Serbia, which
escalated into a global conflict involving the Allied Powers (including France, Russia, and later the United
Kingdom and the United States).

Schlieffen Plan: Germany's military strategy aimed to quickly defeat France in the west and then focus on
Russia in the east. This plan led to the invasion of Belgium and brought the British Empire into the war.

War's Impact: World War I had devastating effects on Germany, including economic hardships, loss of
territory, and the eventual collapse of the German Empire.
These factors contributed to the complex geopolitical landscape that led to the outbreak of World War I
and ultimately shaped the events that followed in Germany during and after the war.

Franco-prussian war

The Franco-Prussian War, which took place from 1870 to 1871, was a significant conflict that had
far-reaching consequences for Europe. Here are some key points about the war:

Background: The war was primarily sparked by the political maneuvering of Otto von Bismarck,
the Chancellor of Prussia, who sought to unify the various German states under Prussian
leadership. One way to achieve this was to provoke a war with France, which he believed would
rally the German states behind Prussia.

Ems Dispatch: The Ems Dispatch, a diplomatic incident, played a crucial role in escalating
tensions. Bismarck manipulated a telegram between King Wilhelm I of Prussia and the French
ambassador, making it appear as if the King had insulted the French. This fueled outrage in
France and contributed to the declaration of war.

Declaration of War: France, led by Emperor Napoleon III, declared war on Prussia on July 19,
1870.

Military Campaigns: The war featured several notable battles and campaigns, including the
Battle of Sedan, where French forces suffered a significant defeat, leading to the capture of
Napoleon III. Another important battle was the Battle of Gravelotte. Prussian forces, commanded
by Helmuth von Moltke, demonstrated superior tactics and organization.

Siege of Paris: After the defeat at Sedan, the French government surrendered, but resistance
continued in Paris. The city was besieged by Prussian forces for several months, leading to
widespread suffering and hardship for the Parisian population.

Treaty of Frankfurt: The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Frankfurt on May 10, 1871.
The treaty had several key provisions:
France ceded the regions of Alsace and Lorraine to the newly established German Empire.
France had to pay a large indemnity to Prussia.
The German Empire was officially proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles,
symbolizing the humiliation of France.
End of the Second French Empire: The defeat in the Franco-Prussian War led to the collapse of
the Second French Empire and the proclamation of the French Third Republic.

Implications:
The war had several significant consequences:
- It completed the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, leading to the
establishment of the German Empire in 1871.
- It left a legacy of bitterness and rivalry between France and Germany, contributing to the
tensions that would lead to World War I.
- The war had profound effects on the balance of power in Europe, with the new German
Empire emerging as a major player.

Commune of Paris: In the aftermath of the war, the Paris Commune was established by radical
leftists in Paris, leading to a period of social and political upheaval within the city.

Long-Term Consequences: The Franco-Prussian War and the events surrounding it had a lasting
impact on European politics and diplomacy, setting the stage for future conflicts and alliances in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These key points highlight the significant events and outcomes of the Franco-Prussian War.
The Impact of the War

Coal shortages led to electricity cuts. By early 1918, many Germans were fed
up with the war. An influenza (flu) epidemic killed many civilians and soldiers
and there was starvation.

Revolution in Germany in 1918

1. By October 1918 all over Germany there were strikes and demonstrations
against the war and soldiers were mutinying (refusing to follow
orders). Workers, soldiers and sailors were forcing an end to the war and a
new leader.

2. By November, Berlin (capital of Germany) was controlled by the protesters.

3. On 10th November, the Kaiser (king) abdicated.

4. Ebert of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) set up a government. He ordered

the army to surrender and sign an armistice (agreement to end the war) with
the Allies (GB, USA, France) on 11th November.

Kaiser Wilhelm I
During the First World War of 1914-1918, Germany was run by the Kaiser (King).

 The Kaiser was in charge of the Government and the army.

 The Government decisions were made by the Chancellor – but the Kaiser chose who the
Chancellor was, so he could always pick Chancellors that would do what he wanted.

 The people could vote, but Mp’s didnt really have any power.

 The Kaiser was obsessed with the miltary – he spent millions on building up a strong army for
the war, and borrowed millions trying to win it.

 The German people liked this form of Government. They loved their military tradition, and
felt that being told what to do was a sign that the Government was strong

• The Kaiser ran away into exile 2 days before the war ended.