Question - how would Friedrich III surviving affect Germany?

JJohnson

Banned
Assuming Kaiser Friedrich III had not died after 99 days, and had a sufficiently long as successful reign, how would his time as Kaiser affect the direction of Germany before WW1? Or if he had assumed the throne in the 1870s after a briefer reign for Kaiser Wilhelm I, thus capitalizing more on his military successes from the Austro-Prussian war?

I'm assuming either for (a) OTL Germany up to 1888, or (b) for Groß-Deutschland.

How would his focus on relations with England affect a possible WW1? Would he draw Germany closer to England, enough for France to seek Russian alliance?

Thanks!
 
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If Freidrich III hadn't died in 1888, we would have seen much more liberal German Empire by the 1890s. Bismarck would have definitely been dismissed earlier, possibly in 1888. There would definitely have been better relations with Britain, and possibly even a formal alliance. It's very possible that much of the pre-WW1 German foreign policy mistakes would have been avoided. The armed forces will probably be relatively neglected in favor of larger-scale social programs, so neighboring countries would see it as much less of a threat. There will almost certainly be no naval buildup to rival Britain, not with the Brits as friends. You would probably still see a colonial empire, but it might be somewhat smaller- no Pacific territories, no Togo, etc. Small changes, but it will definitely be smaller. You could see the French declaring war sometime in the early 1900s as they perceive a "weakness" and try to take advantage of it. The outcome of this war would depend on whether Russia or Britain or Austria or Italy take sides. Since France will probably be seen as the aggressor, they will probably be without allies, and Italy might join in for Nice, Savoy, Tunis, and Corsica. Overall, Germany will probably be a constitutional monarchy with some powers (veto over laws, formal head of state, etc.) still in the hands of the monarch-he isn't just a figurehead-but there will be an elected Reichstag with large powers over the budget and such.
 
If Freidrich III hadn't died in 1888, we would have seen much more liberal German Empire by the 1890s. Bismarck would have definitely been dismissed earlier, possibly in 1888. There would definitely have been better relations with Britain, and possibly even a formal alliance. It's very possible that much of the pre-WW1 German foreign policy mistakes would have been avoided. The armed forces will probably be relatively neglected in favor of larger-scale social programs, so neighboring countries would see it as much less of a threat. There will almost certainly be no naval buildup to rival Britain, not with the Brits as friends. You would probably still see a colonial empire, but it might be somewhat smaller- no Pacific territories, no Togo, etc. Small changes, but it will definitely be smaller. You could see the French declaring war sometime in the early 1900s as they perceive a "weakness" and try to take advantage of it. The outcome of this war would depend on whether Russia or Britain or Austria or Italy take sides. Since France will probably be seen as the aggressor, they will probably be without allies, and Italy might join in for Nice, Savoy, Tunis, and Corsica. Overall, Germany will probably be a constitutional monarchy with some powers (veto over laws, formal head of state, etc.) still in the hands of the monarch-he isn't just a figurehead-but there will be an elected Reichstag with large powers over the budget and such.
This Germany probably doesn't provoke Britain, however the German Empire might have some naval buildup to rival France. Furthermore one of the OTL problems with the Naval buildup were the type of ships build by Germany.
OTL the German Colonial empire was relatively small, because Germany was quite late to establish (or claim) their colonies. So on the other hand better German-British relations and thus a friendlier Britain, might result in a Britain which is less offended by these German colonies, perhaps an even slightly larger German colonial empire. IMHO the colonial empire could go either way (smaller or larger), if Germany and Britain would have had better relations.
 
In the late 19th Century Britain was very keen on painting the world pink. Victoria was Queen, after all, and we know how much girls like pink :D:p.

As for naval buildup, with an Anglo-German alliance maybe Britain props up Germany's naval ambitions so it has a plan B in the event of war. Particularly if Germany wants to rival France's navy. I'm sure the British would be happy to help the Germans build a navy bigger than France's. Think about Fashoda.
 
I think a lot of fictional license is enacted with Friedrich III when it comes to AH. I believe this has everything to do with his successor and the use of Wilhelm II as a scapegoat for the ills of the 20th century.
 
I think a lot of fictional license is enacted with Friedrich III when it comes to AH. I believe this has everything to do with his successor and the use of Wilhelm II as a scapegoat for the ills of the 20th century.

Yes, it's important to keep in mind that Wilhelm II gets the blame for a lot of things that were encouraged by many figures in the German government. Stuff like the naval buildup and not renewing the reinsurance treaty weren't all his fault, his advisors were all behind those policies as well. Friedrich may not have been as volatile as Wilhelm, and might avoid blunders like the Daily Telegraph Affair, but he was also a weaker personality, and more likely to be swayed by those around him who would be giving him the same advice Wilhelm got OTL.
 
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