Introduction
Kaiser Von Wilhelm 11 also known as William 11 is one of the prominent rulers in Germany’s history. Wilhelm was the third powerful emperor (Kaiser) to rule Germany Empire and the ninth king to rule the Prussian Kingdom. Wilhelm was the third Germany Emperor since 1888 until 1918, a term of thirty years. He was one of the youngest and long serving Kaisers.
Wilhelm, the first grandson to Queen Victorian of Britain, and a beloved son to Prince Frederick William of Prussia and Princess Victoria was born on 26 January 1860, at Potsdam, in Berlin. Both parents came from royal families, an idea that enabled them provide Wilhelm with luxuries, quality education, and basic needs. At the age of two years, Wilhelm became second in succession hierarchy to become the next Germany emperor and Prussian King as stipulated in the constitution. The royal setting enabled Wilhelm to interact and relate effectively with princes and monarchs across the region; a situation, which enabled Wilhelm understand the ruling system.
Wilhelm 11 and Germans Immigration to America
Immigration of Germans to America existed before the neo-colonial period. Since the colonial period, Americans have received German immigrants warmly into their country and praised them highly. The first wave of German immigrants moved as from 1820s. This group of people settled in regions such as Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania to name a few. The second set of German Immigrants arrived in America during the 1854-1875. However, the migration rate climaxed during the World War 1 where more than 1.9 million Germans migrated to America. Several factors ranging from social, economic to cultural played a pivotal role in Germans migration. However, Wilhelm 11 power remained a key factor that either promoted or prevented German immigration. Before the appointment of Wilhelm 11 as the third Germany emperor, Germans were compelled to adhere to anti-socialism laws proposed by Bismarck, the chancellor. These laws prevented subjects from expressing their democratic and social rights thus leading to oppression. The already formulated and enacted laws refuted against the adoption of free labor policy that aimed at eliminating forced labor. Individuals who travelled against this legislation received severed sanctions so as to deter the rest from rebelling. Based on this fact, many Germans resorted to migrant to America where they rebuild their lives again. The American federal government had not enacted restrictions that bared Germans from seeking refuge in the country. Healthy relationship between German and America also contributed largely to the massive immigration of Germans.
Additionally, Bismarck advocated for civilians participation in military service involuntarily, especially during external attacks. Although this policy aimed at benefiting the state, it failed to honor people’s rights on choice and expression. In a similar vein, many civilians died during these attacks; an idea that lowered peoples’ trust and loyalty to the government. In order to discourage this vice, Wilhelm 11 abolished anti-social laws and dismissed Bismarck from office. Removal of anti-social laws coupled with dismissal of Bismarck reduced Germans immigration into America. Many people opted to remain in their country despite the political instability that faced the state. Similarly, Germans who has moved to America previously decided to come back into their country, an idea that curtailed immigration process.
In 1890, Germany strived to maintain a healthy relationship with its neighboring states through signing of international treaties. Under the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm 11, Germany was in good terms with America, a situation that paved way for movements to America. Both states had signed a bilateral trade treaty that allowed their respective citizens to trade without any form of restrictions. The treaty allowed movement of citizens from one country to another and register legally as citizens in the new country. Following this provision, many German immigrants changed their citizenship to become American citizens thus fuelling immigration.
However, in 1914, Germany collaborated, with other countries, to fight against nations affiliated to America, a move that broke the existing relationship between the two states. Under the rule of Wilhelm 11, the relationship between Germany and America had flourished to a greater extent. Wilhelm 11 was accredited for the immerse work he performed to build the relationship with other states but, it is also under his rule that the relationship collapsed. After betraying America’s trust, Wilhelm 11 failed to apologize, an idea that compelled America’s federal government to impose restrictions on German immigrants. This move drastically reduced the number of Germans migrating to America. Additionally, the relationship between Native Americans and German citizen living in U.S changed. Initially, Native-Americas related well with German immigrants because both parties respected and trusted each other. However, following Germany’s betrayal, Native-Americans treated Germans coldly thus discouraging more German immigration.
Wilhelm 11 also influenced the eruption of World War 1 through supporting the invasion of Hungary to Serbia, a war that compelled Russia, France, and Britain to join. During this period, many innocent civilians lost their lives and survivors moved to safer areas. For many years, America assumed a neutral position despite Germany launching attacks to its allies. After, the end of World War 1, Germany assumed a neutral position, after noting that most of its citizens had fled to America to seek peace and safety because America was not directly involved in World War 1. This aspect fuelled Germans immigration.
Conclusion
William 11 also known as Wilhelm 11 was a third German emperor and ninth King to rule Prussian kingdom. Wilhelm 11 was born, in 1859, and lead Germany for 30 years. He was one of the longest serving emperors, in Germany’s history. As a member of the royal family, Wilhelm 11 received a quality education at Kassel before proceeding to Bonn University. In 1888, Wilhelm assumed power after the death of Prince Fredrick who served for ninety-nine days. Wilhelm 11 either directly or indirectly influenced Germans immigration to America. Firstly, Wilhelm 11 abolished anti-social laws that oppressed civilians thus deterring migration. Secondly, Wilhelm signed international treaties with America, which paved way for an increase in Germans immigration. Thirdly, Wilhelm 11 contributed in the eruption of World War 1and Germans fled to America for safety. Finally, Wilhelm 11 failed to honor the relationship German had with America through supporting countries that fought against American allies.
Bibliography
Macdonogh Richard. The Last Kaiser: William the Impetuous, London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2001.
Sombart, Nicholas. Kaiser Wilhelm II: New Interpretations − the Corfu Papers, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.
Van der Kiste, Johnston. Kaiser Wilhelm II: Germany's Last Emperor, Sutton Publishing, 2007.
Wilmott, Hiptz. The First World War, London: Dorling-Kindersley, 2003.
