If he really believes in divine right in the Stuart sense he must think that the conditions of Germany are so different from those of the rest of civilized mankind, and his own people so little advanced in knowledge and political science, that a doctrine absurd and dangerous to the peace of enlightened commonwealths is applicable as a basis of rule in his own.  It seems a more plausible view, that the Emperor considers the expression “von Gottes Gnaden” an academic formula of government, or what is still more likely, as a moral and religious, not a legal, dogma, which yet expresses one of the leading and most admirable features of his policy as a ruler.  If it is not so, he is inconsistent with himself, since he has repeatedly declared himself bound by the Constitution in accordance with which his grandfather and father and he himself have hitherto ruled.  At present the doctrine of divine “right” is regarded by Germans no less than by Englishmen as dead and buried, and mention of it in Germany is usually greeted with a smile.  Even the notion of appointment by divine “grace,” while considered a harmless and praiseworthy article of faith with the Emperor, is no longer regarded as a living principle of government.

V.

THE ACCESSION

1888-1890

With his accession began for the Emperor a period of extraordinary activity which has continued practically undiminished to the present day.  During that time he has been the most prominent man and monarch of his generation.  From the domestic point of view his life perhaps has not been marked by many notable events, but from the point of view of politics and international relations it has been the history of his reign and to no small extent the history of the world.

When a German Emperor ascends the throne there is no great outburst of national rejoicing, no great series of popular ceremonials.  There is no brilliant procession as in England, no impressive coronation like that of an English monarch in Westminster Abbey, no State visit of the monarch to the Houses of Parliament.  In Germany Parliament goes to the King, not the King to Parliament.

On the same day that the Emperor began his reign he addressed proclamations to the army and navy.  The addresses to the people and the Parliament were to come a few days later.  In the proclamation to the army he said: 

“I and the army were born for each other.  Let us remain indissolubly so connected, come peace or storm, as God may will.  You will now take the oath of fidelity and obedience to me, and I swear always to remember that the eyes of my ancestors are bent on me from the other world, and that one day I shall have to give an account touching the fame and the honour of the army.”

His address to the navy was in the same vein.