According to Fischer, ‘Germany willed the War in 1914 in order to release expansionist ambitions and to resolve an acute domestic crisis. The overseas policy pursued by Germany since 1897 had failed to produce the desired results in the form of a Central African Empire.’ The Kaiser planned to expand German territories by colonization, as other Major European nations had been doing. The Kaisers second plan was to eliminate the ‘increasing domestic crisis.’ The Kaisers regime was weakening by 1912-13 because of the increase in votes that the socialist party, SPD, was receiving. The new, supposedly revolutionary aims the party introduced were becoming major threats to the Kaiser’s government and to the ruling élite. The ruling classes believed, Fischer remarks, that the best way to ‘safeguard’ their authority over Germany, was by means of a ‘brisk jolly war.’
Germany was very short in time, considering the Russian army reform was expected to be completed in 1916. German ruling class believed in July 1914 that ‘a moment so favorable from a military point of view might never occur again’. Fischer says that the decision was taken in late 1912 that Germany should launch a war at the first favorable opportunity. ‘Its main objectives would be to achieve expansionist goals in Europe and overseas. Germany would expand her power base in Europe by annexing territory in the east and possibly in the west as well.’ A German perspective was that a successful War would enable Germany to become a colonial power in Africa by acquiring French and Belgian colonies – the “Mittelafrica” policy. By this, Fischer emphasizes the German desire for War and “Weltpolitik”. German efforts during the July 1914 crisis were consistent with this aim. Firstly, Germany put pressure on it brother Austria-Hungry to act against Serbia even if it meant an outbreak of a general War. Hence the ‘blank cheque’ of July 5th, when Austria-Hungry was sworn alliance and full support by Germany. Secondly, the German Chancellor was not seeking a peaceful solution but was adapting to create the most favorable situation for a German victory.
It is debatable whether other powers were responsible for the war. There is no doubt that Austria-Hungry was under pressure by its ‘Big Brother Germany’ to retaliate against Serbia in 1914, however, there is no evidence that Austria-Hungry needed any prompting from Germany to respond to the murdering of its archduke. Austria-Hungry merely needed a promise for full support in the likely case that Russia would become involved by supporting its brother Serbia.
On the other hand, Russia’s promise of alliance to Serbia is also thought to have influenced the decision not to accept the ultimatum sent by Austria-Hungry, which would lead to a declaration of war from Vienna.
Historians such as Karl Erdmann lay different evidence by blaming Britain for provoking Germany. ‘A clearer and prompter statement of British intent to support France might have influenced Germany’. Historians state that Britain could have exerted more control over its ally Russia. Yet the most serious charge against Britain was that its naval talks with Russia in 1914 convinced Germany that the ring of encirclement around her was complete.
Historians, who do not agree with the statements Fischer made, regard the Balkan War as a major factor in the origins of the First World War. They state that a major influence for the Austria-Hungarian ultimatum was a result of hatred build up during the long lasting Balkan wars. The ongoing conflicts between Russia, Austria-Hungry, and Balkan nations emphasize the importance of the ‘aggressive tendency of European nationalism’ in general.
Nationalism played a major role in Europe and in Germany in particular. Pride in ones country was exercised regularly. Parades and huge fares were almost habitual in Europe. Germany took much pride in itself and in its army, and showed it regularly. This pride was a constantly emphasized by the Kaiser. He was preparing his country for war and showed it naturally through his pride in his accomplishments. The idea of colonizing is very much related to this idea. Historian, Dr. J. Winter, states that a German mentality was that ‘They deserved’. What they deserved; saying there country was good and therefor more land was what they deserved, more power, “Weltpolitik”. Germany was mentally ready for war, and according to the Kaiser Wilhelm II, war was the only possible next step.
Under no conditions would it be historically correct to take either one of the polarities of the question whether Germany caused World War One or not. There is no doubt that Germany carries a major weight on its back, on which guilt is printed, but there were other causes, not German related, that contributed. The cause of outbreak of war is directly related to the incident on the 5th of July 1914, whose causes were ruling decisions made, who by themselves were influenced by rise in international tension from about 1905, which was generated grossly by Germany.
