The First World War increased rather than narrowed Germany's political divisions'

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‘The First World War increased rather than narrowed Germany’s political divisions’, how far do you agree with this statement.

Initially the First World War narrowed the political divisions, as they all came together with the Burgfriede which was declared on the 4th August as a political truce between all parties. However, this political unity was not to last thanks to the inability of the military to deliver on their promise of a quick victory and Germany soon became increasingly fragile by the war, and unity began to disband. The Kaiser became a politically distant figurehead and spent most of his time tucked away which created divisions as he failed to propel the image of a strong and caring leader. Furthermore, divisions were caused by differing views over war aims and developing concern over the establishment of the ‘Silent Dictatorship’.

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Unquestionably the First World War initially narrowed political divisions; this is demonstrated through the Burgfriede which was introduced on 4th August to symbolise the political truce between all parties, even the supposedly ’unpatriotic’ Social Democrat Party gave their support for what was presented as a defensive war. However this political unity did not last due to the inability of the military to deliver on their promised of a quick victory. Additionally, due to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan and the tragic defeats at Verdun and Le Somme, in 1916 the Burgfriede and the truce that had enabled the government to ...

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