German+Colonial+Ambition

=German Colonial Ambition= Germany saw colonies as an essential part of the infrastructure of a great power. Fear of a growing isolation dominated,as it had only one true ally (Austria-Hungary),so it sought to expand in the form of colonialism. This ambition brought Germany into conflict with other European powers, and in doing so whether unintentional or not, lay the groundwork for World War I.


 * Source A (Primary)**
 * B**// **ü** // **low's "Hammer and Anvil" Speech before the Reichstag (The English Translation)**

The speech spoken by Bernhard von Bülow (the German Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) before the Reichstag on the 11th of December 1899.

//** "In our nineteenth century, England has increased its colonial empire -- the largest the world has seen since the days of the Romans -- further and further; the French have put down roots in North Africa and East Africa and created for themselves a new empire in the Far East; Russia has begun its mighty course of victory in Asia, leading it to the high plateau of the Pamir and to the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Four years ago the Sino-Japanese war, scarcely one and a half years ago the Spanish-American War have put things further in motion; they've led to great, momentous, far-reaching decisions, shaken old empires, and added new and serious ferment. [...] The English prime minister said a long time ago that the strong states were getting stronger and stronger and the weak ones weaker and weaker. [...] We don't want to step on the toes of any foreign power, but at the same time we don't want our own feet tramped by any foreign power (Bravo!) and we don't intend to be shoved aside by any foreign power, not in political nor in economic terms.(Lively applause.) It is time, high time, that we [...] make it clear in our own minds what stance we have to take and how we need to prepare ourselves in the face of the processes taking place around us which carry the seeds within them for the restructuring of power relationships for the unforeseeable future. To stand inactively to one side, as we have done so often in the past, either from native modesty (Laughter) or because we were completely absorbed in our own internal arguments or for doctrinaire reasons -- to stand dreamily to one side while other people split up the pie, we cannot and we will not do that. (Applause.) We cannot for the simple reason that we now have interests in all parts of the world. [...] The rapid growth of our population, the unprecedented blossoming of our industries, the hard work of our merchants, in short the mighty vitality of the German people have woven us into the world economy and pulled us into international politics. If the English speak of a 'Greater Britain;' if the French speak of a 'Nouvelle France;' if the Russians open up Asia; then we, too, have the right to a greater Germany (Bravo! from the right, laughter from the left), not in the sense of conquest, but indeed in the sense of peaceful extension of our trade and its infrastructures. [...] We cannot and will not permit that the order of the day passes over the German people [...] There is a lot of envy present in the world against us (calls from the left), political envy and economic envy. There are individuals and there are interest groups, and there are movements, and there are perhaps even peoples that believe that the German was easier to have around and that the German was more pleasant for his neighbors in those earlier days, when, in spite of our education and in spite of our culture, foreigners looked down on us in political and economic matters like cavaliers with their noses in the air looking down on the humble tutor. (Very true! - Laughter.) These times of political faintness and economic and political humility should never return (Lively Bravo.) We don't ever again want to become, as Friedrich List put it, the 'slaves of humanity.' But we'll only be able to keep ourselves at the fore if we realize that there is no welfare for us without power, without a strong army and a strong fleet. (Very true! from the right; objections from the left ) The means, gentlemen, for a people of almost 60 million -- dwelling in the middle of Europe and, at the same time, stretching its economic antennae out to all sides -- to battle its way through in the struggle for existence without strong armaments on land and at sea, have not yet been found. (Very true! from the right.) In the coming century the German people will be a hammer or an anvil." **//


 * Overview Source A**

This speech "Hammer and Anvil", was spoken by Bülow and was used to incite a sense of urgency into the Reich, in order to form a full appreciation for the need to colonise, and to propel Germany towards a greater destiny. This speech was directed at those in the Reichstag in order to persuade them that colonizing was key,and that in order to maintain or buildup more of a standing as a world power it was a necessity. This speech was given in late 1899,before the turn of the century, and by this fact can be seen as quite influential. The fact that it was made before a new era was entered meant it would weigh heavily in the minds of those who heard it,and would be greatly considered to being a way to put the Nation Germany on top. In this speech, it can be seen that Bülow holds a fair amount of bias supporting Germany and denouncing the other European powers, especially their accomplishments. The Reichstag bore witness to this presentation. Overall, it is a very reliable source and relevant to colonialism, as all the other countries were colonising, it was seen that so should Germany. In doing so it could be seen to not only be influential but useful to propel the idea of colonialism throughout.


 * Source B (Primary)**
 * Map 3 - Detailing Europe's Colonial Possessions during the time of 1914**

A map showing the various colonial possessions, during 1914, of the European powerhouses.


 * Overview Source B**

The map shows the Colonial Possessions of the British, French and Germans, indicating the vast differences in colonies. It shows that Germany lacked global assets, which lead to its expansion and ultimately war with the other European powers. During this time European nations were still expanding and had already set up colonies worldwide, such as the French in Indo-China. As seen and alluded to in Bernhard von Bülow's Hammer or Anvil speech, an increased Colonial Empire may potentially aid Germany in the future, as it would be imperative for them to grow in order to keep up with the other European Nations. However, while gaining more colonies would aid Germany on an economic level is up for debate, it is more likely they wished to obtain more colonies to simply gain more status or the prestige associated with being a World Power. Their expansions were seen as somewhat of a threat. However, the large amounts of land occupied by some countries were not as useful as some of the other European powers. For example, France was in control of most of North West Africa, which had very little use apart from being a vast expanse of land, while Britain had strategical holdings in Australia, India, the Suez Canal and South East Africa, all of which had resources that were readily available. This particular map seems to be aimed at those who wish to learn more about what land/colonies were possessed by England, France and Germany, as well as being effective in showing (indirectly) how these colonies could have been used. Similar to other maps it shows no bias, as it is purely factual, in that it only shows the colonies of countries, making no statements regarding these 'possessions'. Overall this is an effective source as it highlights how Germany may have had a 'need' to colonize in order to maintain it's supremacy, or on the other hand it may show it's desire to be seen as a prestigious nation, much like England is.


 * Source C (Secondary)**
 * Map - Germany's Growing Isolation 1887-1914**

This map shows the various countries surrounding Germany and Austria-Hungary, detailing how the isolation came to be, and what effects it had leading to 1914.


 * Overview Source C**

The origin of this map is from a published atlas, in order to give an adequate description of how Germany came to be isolated prior to WWI. It details the relationship that Germany possessed with those on its border, which in a short space of time (around 20 years) seemed to dissolve to the point where it was surrounded by what one could consider enemy nations. The motive of this piece of evidence is primarily to show one, what caused the eventual 'surrounding' of Germany, and why these events occurred. The audience is effectively whoever wishes to learn about the dispute(s) surrounding these countries, given this fact it could be proven to be a reliable resource if one was to use it effectively. It is most likely aimed at those who wish to view what allegiances Nations possessed leading up to the outbreak of war. This map shows the period of 1887-1914 and the allies that countries near Germany possessed, being that it was based on the occurrences in 1887-1914 it is up to standard regarding maps pertaining to the Great War. It also underlines that all the regions that surrounded Germany (that are shaded), had by 1914 been involved in some sort quarrell with either Germany or its close ally Austria. This Source shows no signs of bias, this is because it is quite simply a map and holds no particular view on the subject matter. It was also created for the simple purpose to show what was happening at this time (1887-1914), and represents all countries involved equally.


 * Source D**
 * A memorandum sent from the German Admiral Georg von Müller****, to the Kaiser's brother in 1896.**

This document underlines how Germany (and other central European powers) need to be able to expand in order to compete, and that a war must occur in order to break England's control.


 * Overview Source D**

This memorandum that was sent from Müller to the Kaiser's brother was created in order to establish that England had continuously grown in power and that it needed to be stopped. As stated its primary reason was aimed at influencing a way in which England could effectively be 'shut down', Müller also wanted to seemingly expand Germany and it's close allies (Austria-Hungary and Italy) colonial control, but Germany to a greater extent. He stated that "... central Europe is getting too small and that free expansion of the peoples who live here is restricted as a result of the world domination of England", this shows that he believes that England needs to relinquish most of it's control (by force if necessary) so that 'other' central European states can also expand. This could be seen as the start of a major conflict as Müller decreed that war which could result is according to the generally excepted opinion in breaking Englands world domination to free 'necessary' colonial possession for others. He later states that he believes Germany should "harness the total strength of the nation, ruthlesly, even if it meansaccepting the risk of a major war", again showing he is not afraid to attack England if gaining new colonial possession's are reasonable. The memorendum later states that what Germany does possess are the 'left-over pieces'' before talking about the unsuitability of having colonised them, as well as noting the state of the German naval fleet. This source, however, is incredibly bias, it was a memorandum from a German Admiral, and it's only purpose was to try and incite a war against England in order to further colonisation. It shows that not only was the Admiral most likely 'corrupt' in a sense, and that he only wanted what was best for Germany (and to a lesser extent, it's allies).

From the sources gathered, one could conclude that Germany was indeed afraid of being surrounded, and it's ambitions to gain more powers did cause conflicts with other nations. It's Colonial Ambition may have veered Europe towards WWI, but it's blame does not solely lie on the attempt to become a 'greater power' through means of Colonisation.
 * Conclusions**