Kaiser Wilhelm II and World War I

[JamesWilliam]

Harold,

As I recall I have read the samething in a nuber of book as well.

[Vasillisos Markos]

Originally Posted by David V

Maybe it's the Habsburg and Wittelsbach aficionado in me, but I've come to the view that the way German Unification was attained following the Austo-Prussian War wasn't all right. Especially when it led to the dispossession of such states as Hanover, for one. Of course, we realise what we have lost in the last century with the fall of German and Austrian monarchies- what a dreadful legacy the 1918-89 years gave this world!

For all his faults, Kaiser Wilhelm II pales in comparison to any number of US and Latin American presidents, and even modern day politicians and businessmen, in arrogance and all else. And while the Kaiser had more actual power than the King of Great Britain, our governments today have more power over us than the Kaiser had over his subjects. Why else do you see "executive power theories" floated about the US presidency?

My dear David V,

I agree with the first paragraph of your post but do you really believe that Wilhelm's arrogance pales in comparison to today's leaders? You may compare him in the same light as autocrats and dictators, but I don't believe democratically elected individuals are more arrogant than the Kaiser was when he ruled over Germany. I read an article on Gadaffi who loved to wear outrageous outfits which symbolized African unity or his victories or whatever else took root in his crazed head. I feel the same about Kaiser Wilhelm II -- a militarized vain peacock who flew off the handle on a moment's notice and had everyone around him walking on egg shells.

[David V]

Originally Posted by Vasillisos Markos

My dear David V,

I agree with the first paragraph of your post but do you really believe that Wilhelm's arrogance pales in comparison to today's leaders? You may compare him in the same light as autocrats and dictators, but I don't believe democratically elected individuals are more arrogant than the Kaiser was when he ruled over Germany. I read an article on Gadaffi who loved to wear outrageous outfits which symbolized African unity or his victories or whatever else took root in his crazed head. I feel the same about Kaiser Wilhelm II -- a militarized vain peacock who flew off the handle on a moment's notice and had everyone around him walking on egg shells.

Bush? Any number of Latin American leaders over the years who not only showed little regard for their citizens but inflicted far worse abuses on them? I think today's politicians are arrogant, full of themselves and the fact that governments today exercise more real power than they did a century ago while being more distant from the common man makes things worse.

"Executive power theories" mean the belief the US President has gained more real power than Wilhelm II or Nicholas II had before World War I, which the media, Congress and courts are loathe to challenge. Which in some ways may be hard to refute.

[historyfreak]

From what I have read about Wilhiem II, despite his constant meddling in state affiars of other countries, it seems to me that when the war began he could not have really predicted what would eventually happen during, and after, the war.