Leaders of Germany were very ambitious but also had concerns. The Kaiser felt that Germany should have overseas colonies. In 1890’s the Kaiser ordered the building of a large navy, which soon become the world’s second most powerful fleet. German leaders however, became increasingly worried about ‘encirclement’, partially due to the huge build up of arms in Russia. Historians use the above as evidence to suggest that Germany were not geographically in a position to start a war, therefore the war could not have been a long standing intention.
In contrast there is much evidence in which to suggest that Germany were to blame for the outbreak of war. General Von Molkte agreed that war was inevitable and could not be prevented saying “war the sooner the better”. More over Tirpitz the Kaisers Chancellor suggested that the “great war” should take place 18 months later in the summer of 1914 to allow the Kiel Canal to be built, thus linking the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. The building of the canal would mean that the Germany’s navy would be harder to blockade in the Baltic Sea, as there would potentially be two exits to the North Sea.
Another more important contributing factor to the build up of war was the build – up of tension between Britain and Germany as a result of Germany’s desire to become a naval power. The British believed that the only thing holding there vast empire together was their naval power. Consequently Britain felt threatened by Germany’s aggressive naval policy. The Schliffen plan relied very much on Britain’s policy of splendid isolation. There was no assumption that they would place themselves in the French line of battle to impede the German advance through Belgium. After the Entente Cordial the discussions between Britain and France, resulted in Britain committing to stand by France. We have to consider that this was only forthcoming in 1912 and the French did not have any specific indication as to where the British would take the field right up to 1914.Ths relates to the Kaiser himself as although he had many ambitions, he had many concerns about encirclement, however I believe that in many cases he let his ambitions take over and he never encountered the true potential of other countries in this case Britain. This is another factor in blaming German for the War as they caused countries to emerge and commit to helping each other if war were to break out. This caused tension between alliances therefore bringing war ever closer.
There is also evidence to portray that in other parts of Europe Germany was creating tension. In the Moroccan crisis of 1905 there was desperation to take Africa’s land to increase trade routes and to increase there empire. Morocco was one of the only independent countries and on paper was French territory due to the fact they held neighbouring Algeria. Its geographical position meant the owners of the land could control who entered and who left Morocco. It therefore controlled the Suiz canal and contained valuable raw materials. For Germany these would have been a valuable asset when paying its reparations, as the peace Treaty stated Germany would have to pay reparations, however Germany could not afford to pay its loans back to the USA therefore the USA began to take what was owed to them in the form of raw goods. Therefore Germany had many reason to fight for Morocco. In 1905 the Kaiser visited the French ambassador in Tangier, he rode to tangier on a white charger, and this was a gift from the sultan. He told the sultan that Germany was aware of his independence and reminded him not to introduce European Reforms unless there was a beneficial reason in doing so. The Kaiser then returned back to his ship and in the process one of the escorting tugs rammed a British vessel. There was another stir in 1911 too this was called the Agadiar crisis. The Moroccan ‘independent’ Government provided the German Foreign officer an opportunity for action. The French sent troops to Fez to resolve anti – foreign riots. The German Foreign Minister was divided between the opportunity to make gains and to improve relations with France and Britain. The gun boat, ‘panther’ was sent to the port of Agadir in South Morocco on the 1st of July initially to protect German citizens, however it was later proved by means of a petition, this was given on the request of the Foreign Office. The French were angry at being threatened in this way, and the Germans showed that they were prepared for war; The Kaiser said “If we one again craw out of this affair with our tails between our legs………….I despair of the future of the German Empire and shall quit” This quote shows what a significant event the Agadiar crisis was as it shows that all the countries were prepared for war as it was the first time of open aggression in the run up to the War. Britain was also angry at being ignored and this was another potential for the war to break out, therefore Lloyd George claimed on the 21st of July that Britain could not be ignored. An agreement was reached on the 4th of November that stated France was to have free land in Morocco and German too received sections of the French Congo, as well as two areas connecting to Cameroon’s, with the Congo and Ubangi River. Germany’s success convinced the Kaiser that the way to success was through military affairs. The event was a turning point in the possibility of war as it showed all the countries were prepared and the reality of war was growing ever closer.
In Contrast many historians believe that The Balkans crisis also had a larger more definite impact in WW1, and I too would agree. The first crisis took place in 1908, when the Austrian Foreign Minister decided to annex Bosnia – Herzegovina. This was due to the nature of the Alliance System; Chancellor Bulow had no choice but to recommend Germany to back them, however Russia and Serbia protested and Germany backed Austria completely. In March 1909 Germany suggested that Russia acknowledge the annexation. Russia hesitated and Germany offered an ultimatum, knowing full well that Russia was not in the position to go to war over Bosnia and therefore Russia recognised the annexation. Germany was fully committed to Austria’s policy in the Balkans. Russia was humiliated but was closer to Britain and France than it had ever been. In effect Austrian war with Serbia would involve Russia, Germany and France. However its that of 1914 that Germany was under its biggest criticism. Franz Ferdinand who was heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated by Bosnia Terrorists during a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. It was clear that the power of The Balkans moved closer to Russia’s hands. There was now desperation on the part of Austria and Germany .After the assassination Austria – Hungary wanted to use “abomination of Sarajevo as the pretext for a settlement of accounts with Serbia” in other words they were prepared for War. Germany was very quick to agree with a hope that it would wipe out Slav nationalism. Germany even gave Austria a “blank Cheque” in which she agreed to back Austria Hungary with no exceptions in handling Serbia. Historians argue the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand was nothing to do with Germany therefore as a country it had no need in which to get involve. Unless of course, war was always there intention. This is yet another piece of evidence that suggest German was a cause of WWI; she seemed to thrive on causing endless disputes and unrest.
On the other Hand, In my opinion Russia has to take a certain proportion of blame for this incident being blown out of all proportion as they treated Serbia as its “younger Brother”, and was therefore prepared to back Serbia in a War with Austria Hungary and Germany. This was as a result of pan – Slavism that stated all Slavic countries should be under Slavic rule. Russia being the largest of the Slavic states felt it it’s duty to protect the smaller states. As Russia felt the need to protect Slavic nations, when Russia went to aid Serbia she had France to aid too – this therefore involved both alliance systems. Although its clear that Russia had a major part to play in this particular event many historians including myself believe that if Germany had not given the Blank Cheque to Austria then War may not have been a result of this situation. I am aware this could only be true to a certain degree as Austria needn’t have accepted the Blank cheque.
Russia also knew from the Balkan crisis of 1908 that Austria Hungary would not in any way back down from what she wanted. What’s more important in my opinion is that when Russia mobilized its huge army, Germany had fear of being crushed. The Kaiser then issued an ultimatum to Russia and the following day there was a declaration of war. I can see why many historians would see countries such as Austria – Hungary and Russia as scape goats for the outbreak of war not being Germany’s full responsibility. I can however see that countries did have impact, but there impact was always a result of German actions. I also think that there are other factors that cannot be overlooked. If Germany were not directly involved in backing Austria she still may have declared war on Russia and Serbia. The arms race and the Morocco crisis are two long term causes that increased tension between the powers too.
Overall, Looking at the events that occurred in the pre – war years in my opinion there is much evidence to judge that Germany were to blame for the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914. I believe above all factors the main evidence that suggests the blame lied in the hands of Germany was the Schliffen plan. This was an offensive battle plan. Germany feared ‘Encirclement’ of the Entente: Russia to the East, France to the West and Britain to the North East. Therefore Germany mad plans too overcome these. Some Historians would argue and say that the Schliffen plan cannot be seen as absolute proof that Germany were to blame. For Example France had plan 17. The Key reasoning in my opinion is that France’s plan was defensive – if they had to go to War they would have a battle plan, the truth is every country had plans in the likely hood of war, but Germanys plan was entirely different to my mind as it was an offensive plan – meaning they would attack first. This tells me Germany was planning war. Taylor and Ritter believed that Germany was at fault and the main evidence for this was the Schliffen plan. They believed that by mobilising Germany had in affect declared war. I would strongly agree with this.
I am aware, however some historians would disagree as in the 1920’s and 1930’s the idea of a more general responsibility gained ground in both political and academic cities. Blame was placed on general factors such as secret diplomacy, economic rivalry, the arms race or imperialism. I would argue further in that for me the arms race for example, was a less important factor as the build up of large forces and compulsory military service that most countries adopted is only a result of increased tension among colonies. Social Darwinism encouraged more colonies as this stated that the fitter countries would survive in society. I do not think the arms race can be seen as having a huge initial impact on the cause of War, as this was a long term cause that increased tension overtime. It would also be an over simplification to say that economic interests caused the war.
Another important event that gives evidence for the blame being Germany’s is the Morocco crisis as Germany were stirring trouble even before the War. However in Germany’s defence it could be said that Germany were claiming what they were entitled too, they only wanted to keep the Mediterranean Sea and the trade roots it offered. In my opinion however Germany had other intentions hence the Agadir crisis in 1911. This is another example of Germany having to take things a step closer than the other European powers. In doing this they brought war ever closer: I don’t think this is the actions of a country who were not foreseeing war as a possibility, or who felt threatened as a ‘new born’ empire. I believe Germany was discussing war as a huge possibility.
However the main argument to suggest war was not fully Germany’s fault was that Germany was not the only country involved in the decision making of war, meaning she alone could not be responsible for the consequences. Austria Hungary needn’t have followed German advice or accepted the ‘blank cheque’. It wanted a war with Serbia and knew that Russia would protect the Slavic people. This would in affect make the problem European. Austria also knew of the Triple Entente and that if Russia went to war alongside Serbia, France too would join.
Many Historians say that Germany was partially to blame for war. There reasoning being the Schliffen plan, war council of 1912 and the unnecessary backing of Austria Hungary. Other Historians believe that the arms race was a long term cause that increased tension between the European powers particularly Britain and France. Britain had there “Two power standard” that stated that there military would be twice the size of any other country. The ‘scramble for Africa’ also increased tension among the two alliances. Lenin agreed with Wilson as he believed that all countries should take part of the blame for war as it was “the selfish greed of all powers” I would agree other wise, in conclusion war was a “accident waiting to happen” (Turner) The fact that Germany drew up the offensive battle plan known as the Schliffen plan tells me that Germany were planning for war long before war actually broke out. More Importantly with a Kaiser who shares the same ambitious as a deceiving bitter, twisted and good for nothing man such as Hitler who would except anything less than a war? I certainly wouldn’t. It seemed all Germany wanted was power, lebensraum not just from the East however but anywhere and everywhere, and as opposed to destroying the Jews he wanted to destroy Slav nationalism. Anything that was a threat to the Kaisers power he wanted rid of. With a Kaiser that states “Now or Never” I give the blame to Germany. This statement certainly doesn’t suggest they were innocent victims who hadn’t discussed war or seen it as a possibility. This tells me war was always going to be the case in the eyes of the Kaiser. It was “war by timetable” (A.J.P Taylor)
Bibliography
I used the following additional materials:
- Encyclopaedia: causes of WWI
- Class notes
- www.wikapedia.co.uk