GCSE History: Kaiser Wilhelm's Germany 1890–1918

This material covers the opening of the GCSE History period study of Germany between 1890 and 1945 – for example the first part of AQA's 'Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship', which begins earlier than the Weimar and Nazi options of other boards. The Weimar Republic from 1918, Hitler's rise and Nazi Germany are covered by the existing materials in this category.

You revise how the German Empire, created in 1871, was governed: the wide powers of the Kaiser, who appointed the Chancellor and controlled the army and foreign policy; the Bundesrat; and the Reichstag, elected by all men over 25 but with limited power over the government. You study Wilhelm II's personality and his decision to force Bismarck out in 1890, and the problems of ruling a country that was industrialising fast, with a growing working class and a rising socialist movement – by 1912 the SPD was the largest party in the Reichstag – as well as the government's attempts to reduce the appeal of socialism through social reforms.

The material then covers Weltpolitik: the Navy Laws of 1898 and 1900 promoted by Admiral Tirpitz, the Navy League and nationalist pressure groups, and the naval race with Britain. Crises such as the Daily Telegraph Affair of 1908 and the Zabern Affair of 1913 are used to show both the Kaiser's erratic behaviour and the limits of the Reichstag's power over the army and the government.

Finally, you study the impact of the First World War on Germany: the British naval blockade and the hunger of the 'turnip winter' of 1916–17, the growing power of the army leaders Hindenburg and Ludendorff in the so-called Silent Dictatorship, strikes and war-weariness, and the collapse of 1918 – the naval mutiny at Kiel, revolution spreading across Germany, and the abdication of the Kaiser on 9 November 1918, when a republic was declared.

The quiz tests key facts, dates and reasons, including a chronology question. The flashcards drill dates and terms. The written work asks for explanations and for a judgement about how powerful the Kaiser really was, the kind of question period studies set. In the oral exam an examiner asks one question at a time and gives brief feedback at the end.

The material is revision practice written by Zestly and is not produced or reviewed by any exam board; check the details of your own specification with your teacher.

• Describe the constitution of the German Empire and the powers of the Kaiser and the Reichstag
• Explain the difficulties Wilhelm II faced in ruling Germany, including industrialisation and socialism
• Explain the aims and consequences of Weltpolitik and the Navy Laws
• Explain the significance of the Daily Telegraph and Zabern Affairs
• Describe the impact of the First World War on the German home front
• Explain why the Kaiser abdicated in November 1918

Practice material written by Zestly, based on the DfE GCSE history subject content (period study) and part 1 of options such as AQA 'Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship' (GCSE History 8145 option 1A).