Face to Face with Kaiserism

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21991

Title

Face to Face with Kaiserism

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Former US Ambassador James W. Gerard exposes the calculated intrigue and militaristic ambition of Kaiser Wilhelm II. This memoir details the Emperor's personality, the shadowy influence of the Great General Staff, and Germany's deliberate plots against American interests, including the sinking of the Lusitania. A stark, firsthand account of 'Kaiserism' from the perspective of a diplomat who sat face-to-face with the arch-enemy.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Face to Face with Kaiserism*, James W. Gerard, the late U.S. Ambassador to the German Imperial Court, offers a chilling insider account of the German Empire during World War I. Published in 1918, the memoir serves as both a biography of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a forensic analysis of German autocracy. Gerard argues that the war was not a defensive struggle but an insidious invasion of American freedom orchestrated by the Kaiser and his powerful General Staff. He portrays the Kaiser as a man of restless ambition, influenced by historical conquerors like Napoleon and Frederick the Great, who sought to revive a world empire. While Gerard details the Emperor's versatility as a writer, musician, and athlete, he contrasts this with his ruthless political nature and his desire for global mastery. A central theme is the dominance of the Great General Staff, led by figures like Ludendorff and von Tirpitz, who controlled foreign policy and military strategy, often overriding the Kaiser's own reservations. Gerard specifically addresses the sinking of the *Lusitania*, asserting that the Kaiser ordered or permitted this act of terror to intimidate America, rejecting the excuse of ignorance regarding civilian casualties. He details how the regime manipulated neutral nations, engaged in espionage in Mexico and Japan, and suppressed domestic dissent through harsh prison camp conditions. Through facsimiles of prison currency and propaganda, Gerard illustrates the brutality of the system. Gerard concludes that while the German people might eventually turn against their leaders, the autocratic system itself remains a relentless force for destruction. He warns that the 'Kaiserism' that brought the world to the brink of conflict leaves a legacy of consequences that must be faced after the war. The book stands as a testament to the dangers of absolute rule and the manipulation of international relations by a militaristic elite.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics