Weltpolitik

Weltpolitik, meaning "world policy" in German, was Germany’s foreign policy approach around the early 20th century aimed at expanding its global influence and empire. It involved seeking colonial territories, building a powerful navy, and increasing diplomatic presence worldwide. The goal was to position Germany as a major world power, comparable to Britain and France. However, this aggressive pursuit of expansion heightened tensions among European countries, contributing to the instability that led to World War I. In essence, Weltpolitik was Germany’s effort to assert itself as a dominant global player through diplomatic, military, and territorial expansion.