France might have also been frightenend by the progressing German unification. There were other more politically domestic long term reasons for the war. These were that Bismarck wanted to unify the land that he had won as a result of the Austrian and Prussian war in 1866. Bismarck also used France as a common enemy of Germany all together so that unification could take place much more easily. France thought the war would not only help by stopping Germany’s increase in power.
The force of the workers who wanted a republic defeated those who supported socialism. Socialist workers wanted to be extravagant in the reforms they make while liberal forces wanted a place they could call “home”. Nationalism is portrayed strongly in the revolution by the liberal workers wanting simple
Why did Germany go to war in 1914? There are many reasons as to why Germany went to war in 1914 such as fear of encirclement, various alliances formed, internal policies and domestic and military factors. I personally think the most important reason was due to their internal politics. Germany was formed as a country in 1871 and so felt like they had to prove themselves as a nation to the rest of Europe. They did this through aggressive policies, which they hoped would achieve their aim and build up their empire.
In 1904, Germans were encouraged to become nationalists. Nationalists believed that their country was superior to other countries. Nationalism made citizens become bellicose and more antagonistic towards other countries. Germans were led to think that war was a glorious thing. Militarism played an immense part in the start of the Great War and without it, there was a chance that the war would have never have lasted as long as it did.
The Liberals were not very big supporters of the Monarch and wanted the Monarchy out of the political area and it just to be solely the government. The Liberals wanted reform, especially the Radicals. If you compare this to the beliefs of the Conservative party who generally believed in One-nation Conservatism/Toryism. This phrase came to light by the Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, His conservatism had proposed a society with the social classes intact but with the working class receiving support from the government. Disraeli emphasised the importance of social obligation rather than
Fischer, the provoker of this controversy, expresses this concept of German aggression by stating that since c.1900 Germany planned, and then was able to execute a war, due to their aggressive weltpolitik; based purely on expansionism. However, although many historians have agreed with, or adapted this argument, such as the view it was a ‘calculated risk’, or an ‘escape forward’ in order to relieve Germany from their domestic pressures, many have also criticised the approach. For instance, it is interpreted by some that Germany stumbled into a defensive war in order to protect themselves, and their ally; Austria-Hungary. However, considering these aspects, it could be argued that it is most conceivable that that Germany had planned the war and their aggressive foreign policy aimed to provoke a war in order to help their plans of annexation. Fischer’s argument that the outbreak of the First World War was due to Germany’s aggressive foreign policy, with a harsh focus on annexation, can be regarded as one of much significance.
He opened their eyes to the ideals of democracy and the free world. He exhibited unbridled power and found that he too, like many before him, wanted to rule the world. B. Summary of Evidence • He was responsible for the spreading of the liberalizing ideas of the French Revolution throughout Europe, which help to bring an end to the remnants of feudal systems still existing in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. • Even though he was an Emperor, he actually started the demise of kingdoms and royalty.
Great Britain, France, and Russia all formed the Allies while Germany, Austria- Hungary, and Italy formed the Central Powers. The position of Germany might have led to an early declaration of was because it was surrounded by the allied powers. Nationalism and extreme patriotism towards the country was also a reason for the outbreak of the war. This over-confidence gave birth to a fatal misconception: that in the event of war in Europe, one’s own country would be victorious
Modern European History – David Welch Evidence of anti-Semitism being propagated by powerful interest groups before 1914, such as the Pan- German League, helps to substantiate the argument put forward by historians that stresses the role of traditional elites and the continuities in social structures and ideology linking imperial Germany with the Nazi era. Kaiser Wilhelm’s claim that G had become a world power on the basis of an imperial fleet that could challenge the Royal Navy was enthusiastically received. However, his successes in foreign policy were li8mt, and the price paid in the self-inflicted isolation of G and the forming of an alliance by its rivals- Britain, France and Russia. On the surface, France, which remained the sole republican state among the great powers of Europe, presented a picture of political instability. For many, general Boulanger provided the focus for a new sense of nationalism based on military glory, he advocated that Alsace- Lorraine (surrendered by France to German empire- 1871) should be returned to France.
In the context of 100 Years, To what extent was the Unification of Germany responsible for the start of the First World War? _____________ The claim that the 'Unification of Germany' was the largest contributing factor to the cause of the First World War is a common sentiment held by many Historians. However there are many that challenge this opinion on the grounds that it is a "crude generalisation1" to exclude the plethora of contributing factors just to shift the blame to Germany and its leadership. In reality, the startling growth of Nationalism did lead to discrepancies between the great powers; the culture clashes and differences in tradition proved to be almost alienating and provocative to neighbouring nations which is a huge factor when considering the start of a war of this magnitude. Furthermore, the intricate system of alliances spawned during this era meant diplomacy became an impossible task that only the most expert politicians could manoeuvre.