What If…
FREDERICK III OF GERMANY HAD SURVIVED?
He was a respected military hero and liberal visionary, so did a different future for Germany and Europe die with him?
Interview by David J Williamson
INTERVIEW WITH
CHRISTINA CROFT
Christina is the author of 15 books about World War I and 19th century royalty, including The Silent Emperor – German Emperor Frederick III and The Innocence of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
In the procession to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 he had cut a gallant and dashing figure in his gleaming guard’s uniform. But the future for German Emperor Frederick III, husband to the queen’s eldest daughter, was to be a short and tragic affair. He had waited so long for his chance to mould his vision of a better, unified and more liberal future for his nation through his compassion, dignity and loyalty. Tragically, illness would strike him down at the age of 56 and, quite literally, rob him of his voice and the potential to set the future of Germany – and Europe – on a very different course.
What unique skills and experience would Frederick III have brought to his reign and how would they have helped him?
On his accession [in March 1888], Frederick III had the advantage of an exemplary military record having played a major role in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars. His courage and concern for his men had won him the support of the army, which was vital for any ruler; and his victory over the French enabled him to help bring about German unification, which could be seen as having given him the right to become German Emperor.
Since his early childhood, he had learned to listen to opposing views without expressing an opinion, which would be helpful in bringing together the opposing political factions within the German empire. His natural affability, which so endeared him to Queen Victoria, could also have facilitated easy conversation with foreign dignitaries, potentially leading to strong diplomatic ties with other European Powers.
Physically, he was blessed with the physique and features of an ideal Prussian king: ‘A towering Lohengrin-like figure,’ according to several contemporaries. ‘An ideal prince among princes.’ At a time when the emperor was seen as the embodiment of his country, his appearance would have made a powerful impression and won the loyalty of his people, and portrayed the newly unified Germany as a strong, potent new nation.