Kaiser Wilhelm's Version Of The Events Of November 1918

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Source 2 comes from Kaiser Wilhelm II Memoirs, in which he gave his version of the events of November 1918. The source was however written in a later period in 1922, four years after the recalled month. The source talks about what exactly happening on November 1918 in Wilhelm’s perspective. He describes the feelings he felt during that period, such as fear and anger at the thought of “abandoning” his “ still-faithful troops”. However, the validity of this statement can be challenged as on 3rd of November unrest in the navy spread to the main German naval base at Kiel. Where sailors mutinied against their officers and took control over the base, this spread from the navy to the city, and workers and soldiers. The Kaiser argues he sacrificed everything for his beloved people but it was in vain as it didn’t bring anything positive. This source helps historian studying the events of November 1918 as it gives a perspective of what happened in the eyes of the absolute monarch at the time. It gives an idea of how the Kaiser believed although his abdication was meant to benefit the Germany people it didn’t help accomplish anything as …show more content…

It was he who announced the abdication of the Kaiser, in a speech from the steps of the Reichstag building, on 9th November 1918. He discusses the new found freedom for German after the abdication of the kaiser and how this will benefit the German people. The source argues “the enemies of the people are finished forever” referring to the kaiser and his friends. Furthermore he talks about the new government work to preserve peace. He clearly pleased with the collapse of the monarchy and hopes Germany will remain a strong and long democracy. This source helps the historians studying the events of November 1918 as this event lead to the abdication of the kaiser, it gives a clear view point of how the German citizens felt. It shows the being of a new found

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