Source two supports the statement, as it shows how warlike and aggressive Germany is. The source gives a brief view of how Germany stirred trouble up between other countries. The source tells “she has beaten and robbed Denmark and for that purpose took as a partner Austria.” The fact that Germany has beaten and robbed Denmark shows the dark and evil side of Germany. It is not just Denmark Germany has “beaten and taken, money and territory from France.” This again shows Germany is warlike and aggressive. An example of Germany interfering in current affairs is the Krugan telegram; Germany sent Russia and France to stop Britain invading a little African nation. The purpose of Germany sending Russia and France was to cause arguments. This source is reliable as it is a secret memorandum and basically all truth can be revealed in secret. Also the source was produced in October 1901, which was in the middle of the naval laws. Therefore it is understandable why Germany is warlike and aggressive.
Source five strongly supports the statement of Germany being warlike and aggressive. This show in very strong language, how, not only “Heinich Vierordt” but the entire German race felt towards the outbreak. The source mentions “slaughter thy millions of adversaries.” This gives an image of Germany being extremely warlike and aggressive; he would not only kill, but destroy. The source then goes on to say “Bayonet pierce the heart of every enemy” showing once again the aggression of Germany, that they would not just shoot the enemy, but they would pierce the heart of every individual.
The source concludes by saying “of thy love for foreigners” this shows that war has resulted in Germany. The message of this source is to get the people of Germany to have hatred towards the enemy. Using very powerful and aggressive language. Now Germany are acting warlike and aggressive.
The source is reliable as it was written from a German point of view “Heinrich Vierordt” after the outbreak of war in 1914. Therefore it is obvious why people felt like this.
Source both supports and contradicts the statement, as figures show a clear increase in the army and navy expenditure. It is known that in 1880, Germany was spending approximately £ 18 million on her navy. By 1914 however, show that Germany was spending around £88 million. Whereas, Britain was only spending £29 million. In actual fact from 1880 and working towards 1914, Germany are spending 4.8 times as much. This is a dramatic increase. Britain are spending 1.9 times as much. This clearly supports the statement as Germany are being warlike and aggressive. If they weren’t they wouldn’t be spending so much on their army or navy. The figures of the navy on the other hand, show in 1880s Germany are spending about £3 million, Austria Hungary between £0-8 million whereas Britain are spending around £10 million. Looking at the build up towards 1914 Germany are spending around £22 million, Austria Hungary £7 million and Britain £47 million. This sows that Germany and Austria are spending far more on her navy than any other country; this can be backed by figure to show how much they are paying. Between; 1880-1914, Germany have increased their expenditure by 9.3 times, Austria by 9.5 times whereas Britain only 4.6 times. This again supports the statement of Germany being warlike and aggressive.
On the other had source six also contradicts the statement. This is shown through the alliance. Germany has alliance with only Austria-Hungary; Britain has alliance with France and Russia. Therefore as an alliance Britain, France and Russia in both army and navy are spending more than Germany and Austria-Hungary. In 1914 Germany and Austria have spend £116 million on her army and £30 million on her navy, whereas Britain, France and Russia had spent £132 million on her army alone, spending £89 million on her navy. This clearly contradicts the statement because Germany are not spending as much as the Entente Powers, they obviously cannot be warlike and aggressive. Germany were alienated, they were spending just so that they felt secure.
Source six is pretty reliable, it doesn’t tell us who had created these figures, but we know from our own knowledge that these figures are true. Germany had been spending a lot more than any other country as individuals, but in accord with alliance Germany weren’t spending as much.
Source three contradicts the statement as it doesn’t portray Germany as being warlike or aggressive. They are rather confused they do not know how to handle situations. “Methods of gaining your point is to show how intensely disagreeable you can make yourself.”
Germany are described arrogant “in ability to appreciate the sensitivities of others.” They expect everyone to understand their feelings. (Very arrogant not aggressive). This doesn’t show Germany as being warlike and aggressive, therefore it contradicts the statement.
The source is reliable as it is from the opposite powers. It is from the British point of view. The British are saying they have had good and bad times with Germany. However the source doesn’t mention whether Germany is warlike and aggressive. As a result of the source being produced from opposition, who have every right to be against and give false statements of Germany, this source is reliable.
Source four contradicts the statement simply because it mentions from the German point of view who is at the roots of the war to be triggered off.
“Our dilemma over keeping faith with the old honourable empire has been exploited to exploit the situation which gives England the excuse she has been seeking to annihilate us with her spurious appearance of justice.” This shows that Germany believe it is Britain stirring up trouble, and that they want to dominate Germany. The source goes on to say “celebrated encirclement of Germany has finally become an accomplished fact.” This again shows Britain being the dominant power and against Germany. Britain’s wish has come true. The fact that they want Germany ‘encircled’ has come true. The Germans believed that this is something the British believed to always want. This source does not show Germany as being warlike and aggressive. It actually shows that Germany didn’t even want a war; it was Britain who were stirring up trouble and were waging war against Germany.
This source is not very reliable as it a secret memorandum from the ‘German Kaiser’. As he is German he has every right to be biased, as he would want to defend his country.
