March 31, 1905
The First Moroccan Crisis began when Germany's Kaiser Wilhem II went to Tangier to provide his support to the sultan of Morocco on the topic of Morocco's independence. Kaiser Wilhelm visit angered the French and British. Although Wilhelm and the German government didn't have any specific interest in Morocco, there were other motivations. Wilhelm's goal in giving support to Morocco was to cause conflict and disrupt the alliance between France and Great Britain. Wilhelm didn't like that Germany wasn't being involved with decisions over what happened with North Africa. France had interest in colonizing Morocco and was already given permission to form a protectorate by Great Britain and Spain. By giving support to the Moroccans, the Kaiser hoped to interfere with France's activity in Morocco. Also, it was decided previously in a convention in 1880 that Morocco would be guaranteed independence. The agreement formed between France and Great Britain threatened to go against that decision and threatened Germany's influence on Europe. Another goal the Germans had in visiting the sultan was to prove to everybody else that France was weak by showing that they are unable to handle the situation caused by the Kaiser.
Kaiser Wilhelm made a speech when he got to Tangier, where he stated that he was giving Germany's support to the sultan. He said that he hoped for the sultan to rule a free Morocco without any outside foreigners getting control. Wilhelm also said that he would give assistance to stop any nation that threatened Morocco. In addition, Wilhelm talked about how he wanted Germany to have benefit in trade and business with Morocco just like all the other nations and for everything to be equal.
Wilhelm's involvement with Morocco only ended up working negatively for Germany. In trying to prevent France and Britain's alliance, Wilhelm helped strengthen their relationship. Their relationship grew more powerful into a military alliance. Furthermore, both countries became more skeptical of Germany. Wilhelm challenging the French's investment in Morocco caused many of the French people to prepare and organize themselves for war with Germany. At the end of the crisis, European nations were forced to meet with each other in Spain to solve the problems (The First Moroccan Crisis, History.com; Events Leading to World War 1, Historyannex.com).
Kaiser Wilhelm made a speech when he got to Tangier, where he stated that he was giving Germany's support to the sultan. He said that he hoped for the sultan to rule a free Morocco without any outside foreigners getting control. Wilhelm also said that he would give assistance to stop any nation that threatened Morocco. In addition, Wilhelm talked about how he wanted Germany to have benefit in trade and business with Morocco just like all the other nations and for everything to be equal.
Wilhelm's involvement with Morocco only ended up working negatively for Germany. In trying to prevent France and Britain's alliance, Wilhelm helped strengthen their relationship. Their relationship grew more powerful into a military alliance. Furthermore, both countries became more skeptical of Germany. Wilhelm challenging the French's investment in Morocco caused many of the French people to prepare and organize themselves for war with Germany. At the end of the crisis, European nations were forced to meet with each other in Spain to solve the problems (The First Moroccan Crisis, History.com; Events Leading to World War 1, Historyannex.com).
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Wilhelm II was the final Kaiser, or emperor, of Germany born on January 27, 1859 in Berlin, Germany. He was named Kaiser when he was 29. As well as being the Kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm was also the King of Prussia. Wilhelm ruled from 1888 until World War 1 was over in 1918. Wilhelm was a great supporter of imperialism and the German military and navy. In addition, the Kaiser was ultimately unsuccessful in both his attempt to stop the French from colonizing Morocco. His actions were a major cause of both Moroccan Crises. Wilhelm II died on June 4, 1941 in Doorn, Netherlands (Wilhelm
II (1859 - 1941), BBC News; William II (emperor of Germany), Encyclopedia Britannica Online)
II (1859 - 1941), BBC News; William II (emperor of Germany), Encyclopedia Britannica Online)
First Moroccan Crisis: Germany's Perspective
After overcoming the difficult technical task of landing in Tangier, there was a very fitting reception on the dock by Moroccan officials and the German colony. Then a ride through the gaily decorated streets amid the indescribable joy of the natives and the European population; it was a magnificent oriental pageant in fine weather. In the Embassy there was a reception of Germans, the diplomatic corps, and the Sultan's envoy, who, because of his great age and a rough sea, had not been able to come aboard ship... In conversing with the French agent, although at first the talk was without significance, yet when the latter conveyed his respects and greetings from Delcasse, the Kaiser replied that his visit meant that His Majesty wanted free trade for Germany and complete equality of rights with other countries. When Count Cherisey was about to acknowledge these remarks courteously, His Majesty said that he would like to treat directly with the Sultan, the free ruler of an independent country, as an equal; that he himself would be able to make his just claims valid, and that he expected that these claims would also be recognized by France. Count Cherisey became pale. He was about to respond, but was curtly dismissed. He withdrew with drawn head... On the whole the brief visit of His Majesty came off splendidly without any unfortunate event and apparently made a great impression upon Moors and foreigners... According to the custom of the country, our ships were richly loaded with gifts consisting of natural products of the land.
(The First Moroccan Crisis, -World War I Document Archive)
This excerpt is of a report made by Councillor von Schoen to Germany's foreign office after Kaiser Wilhelm's trip to Morocco to see the Sultan. This primary source document represents the German perspective on the First Moroccan Crisis and shows the bias and favor towards Germany. The report was made on March 31, 1905 briefly after the Kaiser arrived in the city of Tangier. Councillor von Schoen is describing the events that occurred at Morocco and the Kaiser's reasons for being there. The excerpt describes the Kaiser's motives were to help Germany get trade and better rights, equivalent to all other nations. For example, he wanted to have opportunities with Morocco that were equal with what France had. All in all, the German says that the visit was very helpful and beneficial for Germany. There were no major problems and the Kaiser was able to return to Germany with different presents that came from Morocco (The First Moroccan Crisis, -World War I Document Archive).