To what extent were Germany and her allies responsible for the outbreak of a general European war 1914?
To what extent were Germany and her allies responsible for the outbreak of a general European war 1914?
The initial response after the war was that Germany along with her allies was fully responsible for the general European war this however completely ignores input and responsibility of the Allies.
Germany and Austria-Hungry are seen by all for, at least, creating conditions for conflict however historians such as Fritz Fisher see the outbreak of the war as fully their responsibility. There is clear evidence to show Germany’s responsibility of pre-war tension, caused by the policy of Weltpolitic. Fisher claims the Germany “willed the war” to distract from domestic problems namely rising tensions. He believed that the traditional ruling class within Germany pursued war to increase nationalism and to fulfil imperial aims. Fisher compared the expansionist aims of pre-1914 Germany as similar to those of Hitler. Fischer claimed that the decision to pursue war at the most favourable opportunity was taken at a in 1912 during a “war counsel” meeting however this claim has been heavily criticised as during this meeting the chancellor was not present, therefore war would not have been decided then. Another criticism of this is that 1912-1914 Germany gave very little support to Austria, not what one would expect if Germany was preparing for war. Fisher’s thesis has been criticised by bülow and Berchmann-Hollweg because of his (Fisher’s) one sided focus on Germany , he did not, for example, take into account the diplomatic situation in 1914 or the importance of policy making in other countries. However, even if we reject Fisher’s thesis, Germany can still be held partially responsible for the war. Her aggressive policies increased tension and soured international relations frightening France, Russia and Britain into defensive alliances. As with other countries Germany had a war plan, the schleiffen plan, the implementation of this meant war as by invading Belgium, to defeat France, Germany brought Britain into the war
