William Tyler
Towards 1914 and Hubris
Summary
Once Bismarck had been dismissed by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1890, Germany’s foreign policy took a distinct turn and focused on world politics in attempt to be seen as a leading power. This would end in the loss of its former colonies and military defeat in WWI. This specific period of German history came to a disastrous end in the winter of 1918. The Kaiser abdicated and Germany was in economic and political crisis, enduring great and troubling food shortages.
At home, however, Germany was advancing during this period as an industrial, economic, and socially innovative powerhouse. Arguably, this period marks the start of Germany’s political roller coaster, ending only in 1990 with unification.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.