Question

Which of the following sentences best explains the differences between the way Kaiser Wilhelm and Otto von Bismarck ruled Germany?

Bismarck was a very strategic ruler who was careful to maintain alliances, but Wilhelm only cared about growing German power even if it meant angering other countries.
Otto von Bismarck did not have a reputation for wise political decisions, but Kaiser Wilhelm was known for his carefully calculated policies.
Wilhelm was a much more conservative ruler than Bismarck and he refused to compete against his European neighbors.
Bismarck was determined to make Germany the strongest nation in Europe even if it upset other nations, but Wilhelm worked hard to maintain alliances.

Answer 1

"Bismarck was a very strategic ruler who was careful to maintain alliances, but Wilhelm only cared about growing German power even if it meant angering other countries."

Reason: Bismarck used Realpolitik and a careful system of alliances to preserve Germany's position and avoid isolating the country; Kaiser Wilhelm II pursued a more aggressive Weltpolitik (naval buildup, colonial expansion) and broke or neglected key treaties, which antagonized other powers.