Past paper questions 10mk

Question 1

Explain why Germany was increasingly interested in having an overseas
empire after 1880 [10mks]

Answer 1

Whilst the accession of Wilhelm Ⅱ in 1888 will probably be the most obvious
factor other key points might include:
* The general rise of imperialistic rivalry in Europe culminating in the Berlin
Conference 1884–1885.
* Pressure from German businesses for more overseas trade opportunities
that shifted Bismarck’s stance even before 1888.
* Bismarck’s supporters, the National Liberals, favoured colonial
acquisitions. Bismarck saw getting colonies as an electoral advantage for
the upcoming 1884 election.
* The dismissal of Bismarck in 1890. He saw Germany’s role as that of a
continental, not colonial, power.
* The development of Weltpolitik and the idea of ‘a place in the sun’.