Discuss how much Germany was responsible for the First World War.
Discuss Germany's responsibility for World War I.
Discuss how much Germany was responsible for the First World War.
Germany's responsibility for the First World War : -
On the eve of the First World War, the Western powers were divided into two main camps. On one side was the trilateral treaty of Germany, Austria and Italy and on the other side was the trilateral alliance of England, France and Russia. The rivalry between these two opposing alliances was one of the most important causes of the First World War. But among them the historic Fisher, Lord Oxford, and others have sharply criticized Germany's role in World War I. There are opposite views too. Barnes, Gooch, Jacqueline and others do not blame Germany for the First World War.
1. Adoption of Weltpolitik Policy : - When Kaiser William II adopted Weltpolitik , it caused a strong reaction in international politics. Kaiser's policy was "Either whole or nothing" - this extreme reactionary policy led Europe's major powers to unite against Germany and set the stage for World War I.
2. Abandonment of the Satiation policy pursued by Bismarck: - Bismarck had earlier adopted the policy of Satiation or complacency in international politics. Bismarck's policy was to join other imperialist states and adopt a colonial policy. But when Kaiser William abandoned this policy and adopted an extremely reactionary policy, international politics moved towards World War .
3. Austria appeasement by Kaiser: - Kaiser's annoyance to the Tsar is due to the adoption of Austria appeasement policy without regard to the Reinsurance Agreement signed with Russia. In addition, the situation became more complicated when Kaiser imposed strict conditions on Russia's trade. On the other hand, resistance against Austria in the Balkans was inevitable for Russia. In this situation, the Tsar thought that the real purpose of Germany was to break the Franco-Russian Alliance.
4. Anti-British attitude: - Germany has been adopting a strong anti-British attitude since the adoption of Weltpolitik policy. Added to this is the attempt to stay ahead of Britain in naval power. Germany's increase in naval power is seen as a serious threat to Britain's security. As a result, Britain was forced to form an alliance.
5. Sliffen plan: - Long before the formation of the opposing power alliance, the German general Sliffen made a plan. The plan calls for an attack on France and the disarmament of Russia as a precautionary measure. Kaiser William finally applied this policy in 1914. The Allies were forced to take action against this plan.
6. Pan-Germanism: - The proud Germans always tried to dominate the world. They considered the German Teutonic race to be the best race. To prove this superiority, they adopted an extremely reactionary policy, seeking to dominate the whole world. It was Kaiser's policy that forced the Allies to fight.
7. Kaiser's Colonial Policy: - Kaiser's aggressive colonial policy persuaded Britain and France to go to war. Britain was in favor of avoiding war, despite the formation of rival powers. But Kaiser ignored the "Anglo-German alliance proposal" proposed by England. With the support of the Buyers, the opposition to the Allies in the Moroccan crisis, the Berlin-Baghdad railway plan, the aggressive military and naval build-up, Kaiser single-handedly called for World War I.
However, historians have argued that Germany was not solely responsible for World War I. Such as -
First, Germany cannot be blamed for the political instability in the Balkans. Because, in this case, Austria alone creates the situation of war by imposing the responsibility on Serbia.
Second, Modern historians believe that all European states were more or less responsible for the First World War. All the European states were equally to blame for the formation of alliances, the stockpiling of armaments, and the adoption of reciprocal policies.
Third, Austria was by no means under German control. Therefore, Germany cannot be blamed for the Balkan crisis and Serbia.
Fourth, as Germany increased its naval power, Britain also sought to destroy Germany at any cost in the name of self-defense.
Fifth, the German historian Wolfgang Haig thinks that European powers, such as Britain, France, and Russia, were determined to pursue their vested interests in the international arena. Therefore, it is not reasonable to blame Germany alone.
Sixth, the American historian John Faye, in his book "Origins of the First World War", said that Germany was in danger when the Allies formed . At this time, the Allies could not compete in the arms race and solve the problem through mutual negotiations. But the Allies did not.
In conclusion, Germany was not solely responsible for World War I. The rivalry between the European powers, the arms race, the colonial vested interests, the fierce nationalist character - all these things create an unprecedented environment in which the First World War could not be avoided.
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