 Complete the following phrase:  After Bismarcks dismissal, Wilhelm II assumed direct control over his nations policies and embarked on a bellicose New Course to cement its status as a leading world power. Over the course of his reign, Germany acquired territories in China and the Pacific such as Kiautschou Bay, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Caroline Islands and became Europes largest manufacturer. However, Wilhelm often undermined such progress by voicing xenophobic views and making threatening statements towards other countries without consulting his ministers. Likewise, his regime did much to alienate itself from other great powers by initiating a massive naval build-up, 