‘German aggression’ was responsible for the outbreak of a general war in august 1914; how far do you agree with this argument? Jesse Thompson Evidently German aggression played a key role in the causation of the first world war. Corrigan strongly supports this view and uses Fischer’s Theory to structure his argument as it effectively highlights the nature of German foreign policy in this period. Other historians, such as Joll and Turner, provide opinions which support the view of the question as well as providing evidence for alternative factors such as Fear of encirclement and foreign policy of contending powers; evidence for this can be clearly seen in Joll’s and Turner’s pieces in an equal and different amount. On the one hand, German aggression held the greatest responsibility for the outbreak of a general European war in august 1914.
“The outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 was due to an aggressive foreign policy which had been waged since c.1900”. How far do you agree with this opinion? Explain your answer using sources V, W and X and your own knowledge relating to the controversy. The implication that Germany’s use of an aggressive foreign policy led to the outbreak of the First World War is an extremely controversial topic, and has ultimately caused great debates amongst historians. 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.
To what extent was the nature of the Schlieffen Plan responsible for the outbreak of a general European war in August 1914? The Schlieffen plan, completed in 1905 was a vital piece of evidence that helps to explain the true cause of the First World War. However it can become unclear how it affected the European powers involved in the conflict when the nature of the plan is considered. There are arguments both for the plan being utilised, as an offensive manoeuvre, suggested by events such as the intention to invade both Belgium and France. There are also arguments for the plan as a means of defence, suggested by Russian mobilisation and fear of encirclement.
Both sources agree that following the Sarajevo murder that Germany actively pursued a course which would lead to continental war within Europe. This idea is highlighted by the presentation by the historian Fischer, emphasising amongst other things, the policy of Weltpolitik was consciously working towards expansionism, and German leadership pursuing world power in preparation for fighting a war in Europe. As source X states that the “German plan to unleash a continental war… crystallised a month previously during the Sarajevo
‘The outbreak of war in Europe was due to an aggressive German foreign policy which had been waged since c.1900’. How far do you agree? It has been a matter of fervent controversy that Germany went to war with aggressive or defensive intentions. Source V suggests that Germany went to war solely for defensive reasons due to the extensive array of alliances that encircled her as well as diplomatic tension. Overall, Source W challenges source V, as it indicates that Germany’s aggressive actions since the turn of the century resulted in war.
The long-term factors that would have built tension and rivalries throughout Europe are the alliance systems and the arms race, whereas the short term factors would be the mismanaged crisis, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, which was ultimately the trigger of total war. The Balkan crisis 1908 -12 both increased the likelihood of war. As there had been tensions growing since 1912 between the Serbians and the Austro- Hungarians after their attempt to secure control. These tensions were inevitably going to cause a war; as in the words of Otto Von Bisamrck, quoted at the time, a war was going to brake out due to “some damn fool in the Balkans.” The first Balkan crisis of 1912 didn’t break out into war, however it left tensions high. As Serbia’s confidence was now at its peak, as there sized had doubled, and the army had increased to 400,000, so if the were now confronted by the Austro- Hungarians they were now willing to fight.
Winston Churchill in early 1914 said Europe was an “exceptional tranquillity” the First World War was declared in 1914 when Germany and their ally Austria-Hungary announced war on; Belgium, France, Britain and Russia also known as the ‘Triple Entente’ drawing each respective empires from across the world against the ‘Central Powers’. Many people blame Germany for the outbreak of the war, but how accountable are they? This essay will investigate how far Germany can be blamed for the war spanning 4 years from 1914-1918 claiming approximately 10 million peoples lives and leaving long lasting bitterness in Europe for years to come. Germany could be blamed for the First World War, as it had ambition that out-weighed the capability of what the world could provide and the expectation of a brand new ruthless leader in Kaiser Wilhelm II. This in addition to the point that Germany had just been through an industrialisation stage and was trying establish itself as a world power lead to the First World War as this ambition lead to other countries becoming threatened.
‘The outbreak of War in 1914 was due to an aggressive German foreign policy which had been waged since 1900’ Use source on page 46. The notion that Germany played a pivotal part in the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 is expressed by all three sources, although the belief that it was their aggressive foreign policy which carried the greatest responsibility is voiced especially in Source W. Here David Blackbourn argues that Germany’s naval expansion was highly responsible for increasing international tension. Source V also states that Germany’s foreign policy was to blame for the outbreak of war, focusing on the army’s responsibility. However whilst Source X does suggest foreign policy was involved in the creation of WW1, it challenges the argument to the greatest extent, instead arguing that the Balkans played a crucial part in emergence of war. It can be argued that whilst German foreign policy was a highly significant factor in the outbreak of war, it is important to remember there were many other vital factors, especially the roles of other nations which played a more important role in the outbreak of war.
The main causes of the war were the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, militarism, imperialism, Morocco 1904, Bosnia 1908 and the Balkan Wars. World War I started because of the contests between the powers of Europe and the loathing between the alliances. All countries were putting pressure on each other. When countries joined alliances the opponent would get worried and would then get others to join. This was the tinder for the War.
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.