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| The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001. |
| 1891 | |
| Formation of the Pan-German League. This league supported German colonization and the development of German ideals by offering support to Germans who lived abroad. It drew its support from industrialists and academics and adopted a policy that attracted both National Liberals and anti-Semites. | 1 |
| June 1 | |
| Laws abolished Sunday work and limited the working hours of women and children. | 2 |
| Foreign policy under William II focused on establishing Germany as a world power and providing for colonial expansion. In doing so, William rode the wave of imperialism and nationalism that had been growing throughout Germany. The government refused to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, thus drawing Russia and France toward an alliance (See 1891, May 6). Meanwhile, the Germans supported efforts to stop the Canal-to-Cape Railroad in Africa from becoming a British endeavor. Finally, William II engaged in a massive naval buildup, which challenged British supremacy at sea and thus undermined efforts to maintain friendly relations between the two powers. | 3 |
| The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. | |
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