Prussian militarism. It’s a phrase you see a lot in textbooks about Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Germany, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do you explain its influence in a way that will get you top marks in an AQA exam?

Simply saying “the army was important” isn’t enough. To achieve a top grade, you need to analyse how a specific set of military values dominated German politics, society, and foreign policy.

This guide will break down exactly how to construct a powerful, evidence-based essay on this crucial topic. We will explore the core knowledge you need, how to structure your argument, and how to write paragraphs that show the examiner you understand the deep and often damaging influence of militarism on Germany before 1914.

Step 1: Understand the AQA Question

First, let’s define our terms. Militarism is not just about having a large, well-funded army. It’s a belief system where military values – such as discipline, obedience, honour, and force – are seen as the best values for society. It’s when the army has excessive, often unchecked, influence over the civilian government. In Germany’s case, this was inherited from its most powerful state, Prussia.

The examiners want you to explain the effects of this belief system. How did it shape the country?

Typical AQA-style questions might include:

• Explain the importance of the army in Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Germany. (12 marks)
• The influence of Prussian militarism was the main reason for Germany’s aggressive foreign policy before 1914. How far do you agree with this statement? (16 marks + 4 SPaG)
• Which of the following had a greater influence on the Kaiser’s government: the army or the Reichstag? Explain your answer. (12 marks)

All these questions require you to analyse the impact of the military on how Germany was run and how it behaved.

Step 2: The Core Knowledge You Must Discuss

To write with authority, you need to deploy specific historical knowledge. For the influence of militarism, your evidence should be organised around these four key themes.

Theme 1: The Army as a ‘State within a State’

The German Army was not just a branch of government; it operated almost entirely outside of government control. It was loyal only to the Kaiser.

• Supporting Knowledge:
  • The Officer Corps: The army’s leaders were almost exclusively from the Prussian Junker class (aristocratic landowners) who were deeply conservative, anti-democratic, and anti-socialist.
  • Loyalty to the Kaiser: Soldiers swore an oath of allegiance directly to the Kaiser, not to the constitution or the German government. This meant the army was effectively the Kaiser’s private tool.
  • Independence from the Reichstag: The Reichstag (parliament) had almost no control over the military. It could vote on the military budget, but it could not dictate military policy or hold army leaders to account.

Theme 2: The Influence on the Kaiser and Government Policy

Kaiser Wilhelm II was obsessed with the military. He loved surrounding himself with generals, wearing uniforms, and using military language. This personal obsession directly shaped his government’s policies.

• Supporting Knowledge:
  • The Kaiser’s Circle: Wilhelm II preferred to take advice from his military chiefs, like General von Moltke, rather than civilian Chancellors. Chancellors who challenged the army’s demands, like Caprivi, were eventually dismissed.
  • War Planning: The army’s leaders created aggressive war plans, most famously the Schlieffen Plan, which was developed without any consultation with the civilian government. The existence of such a plan made a major European war more likely.
  • Domestic Policy: The army viewed the rise of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) as a threat to be crushed, not a political force to be worked with. This encouraged the Kaiser’s authoritarian approach to domestic politics.

Theme 3: The Influence on Foreign Policy and the Navy

Militarism fuelled Germany’s desire for international power and a global empire, a policy known as Weltpolitik. It created the belief that national greatness could only be achieved through military strength.

• Supporting Knowledge:
  • Weltpolitik (‘World Policy’): This was the policy of making Germany a colonial and military power to rival Britain. It was driven by a militaristic desire for prestige and a “place in the sun.”
  • The Navy Laws: From 1898, Admiral von Tirpitz, encouraged by the Kaiser, passed a series of Navy Laws to build a fleet to challenge Britain. This was a direct expression of militarism – the belief that naval power was essential for national greatness – and it led to the hugely damaging Anglo-German naval race.

Theme 4: The Influence on German Society

Militaristic values seeped into every level of German society. The army officer was seen as the highest ideal of German manhood.

• Supporting Knowledge:
  • Social Prestige: Army officers were the elite of society. A reserve officer’s commission was highly sought after by middle-class men as a way of gaining social status.
  • Education and Youth: Schools and universities taught the importance of military discipline and obedience. Children’s books and toys often had military themes.
  • The Zabern Affair (1913): This is a perfect case study. In the town of Zabern, a German officer insulted the local population. When civilians protested, the army responded with illegal arrests and violence. The Reichstag condemned the army’s actions, but the Kaiser and the Chancellor sided with the army. The Zabern Affair perfectly demonstrated the army’s contempt for civilian law and the weakness of the Reichstag when faced with military power.

Step 3: How to Structure Your A-Star Essay

Follow this structure to build a logical and compelling argument.

The Introduction

Your introduction must be concise and directly address the question.

1. Define Prussian militarism in the context of Wilhelmine Germany.
2. State your main argument (your thesis) about its influence.
3. Briefly outline the areas you will discuss (e.g., politics, society, foreign policy).

Example Introduction:

In the German Empire between 1890 and 1914, Prussian militarism was far more than simply having a strong army; it was a pervasive ideology that elevated military values above all others and ensured the army’s dominance over the civilian government. The influence of this militarism was profoundly significant, shaping everything from the personality of the Kaiser himself to Germany’s aggressive foreign policy. This essay will argue that the primary influence of militarism was to undermine the development of democracy and push Germany onto a dangerously confrontational path with its neighbours. This will be shown by examining the army’s constitutional independence, its impact on foreign policy, and its dominant position within German society.

The Main Body Paragraphs (PEEL Structure)

Use the PEEL structure for each paragraph to ensure you are analysing, not just describing.

• Point: Start with a clear topic sentence stating the focus of the paragraph.
• Evidence: Use specific, detailed historical knowledge to support your point.
• Explain: Explain how your evidence shows the influence of militarism. Why was it important?
• Link: Connect your paragraph back to the overall question.

Example PEEL Paragraph:

(Point) A key influence of Prussian militarism was that it allowed the army to operate as a ‘state within a state’, independent from and superior to the elected civilian government. (Evidence) This was enshrined in the constitution, which dictated that the army and its leaders answered only to the Kaiser, not the Reichstag. Soldiers swore a personal oath of loyalty to the Kaiser, making the army his personal instrument of power. Consequently, the Reichstag had no say in the appointment of generals or military strategy, as dramatically illustrated by the development of the Schlieffen Plan in total secrecy from the government. (Explanation) This had a profound influence on the German political system because it created a fatal democratic deficit. The institution with the most power – the ability to wage war – was completely unaccountable to the German people or their elected representatives. It meant that key decisions affecting the fate of the nation were made by a small, unelected group of conservative Prussian aristocrats, making a peaceful, diplomatic solution to international crises far less likely. (Link) Therefore, this political independence of the army was a core aspect of militarism’s influence, ensuring that military priorities would always dominate over democratic or civilian concerns.

The Conclusion

Summarise your argument and reinforce your thesis. Do not add new evidence.

1. Briefly restate your main points (e.g., the army’s political power, its role in foreign policy).
2. Re-state your main argument in a fresh and confident way.
3. End with a “big picture” statement about the overall significance of militarism.

Example Conclusion:

In conclusion, the influence of Prussian militarism on Wilhelmine Germany was both deep and destructive. It created a ‘state within a state’ by granting the army constitutional independence, ensuring the Kaiser and his government prioritised military goals over democratic processes. This was most evident in the aggressive foreign policy of Weltpolitik and the Anglo-German naval race, which created international tension and isolated Germany. Furthermore, as the Zabern Affair of 1913 clearly demonstrated, militaristic values permeated German society, placing the army above the law. Ultimately, the overwhelming influence of militarism stunted the growth of German democracy and fostered an aggressive, authoritarian culture that was a key long-term cause of the First World War.

Step 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Describing instead of Analysing: Don’t just list facts about the army’s size. You must explain the effect or influence of the army on politics, society, etc.
• Confusing the Army with the Government: Remember to explain the tension between the military and the civilian government (the Reichstag and the Chancellor).
• Ignoring the Zabern Affair: This is a gift for students. It is the perfect single event to use as evidence to illustrate almost all the key themes of militarism. Make sure you know it and use it.

By focusing on the influence of militarism and supporting your points with specific evidence, you can craft a sophisticated and analytical essay that is sure to earn you top marks.

How to Write an A-Star Essay on the Problems of Ruling Germany, 1890-1914 (AQA)

How to Write an A-Star Essay on the Influence of Prussian Militarism on Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Germany (AQA)

How to Write an A-Star Essay on the Impact of Industrialisation in Germany before 1914

How to Write an A-Star Essay About the Aims of Kaiser Wilhelm’s Weltpolitik (‘World Policy’) – AQA