As industrialization, social disarray, and national tension plagued Europe, war was destined to break. Amidst the provocations and accusations, however, Germany was truly most guilty for causing World War I because of its tremendous national momentum and deliberate attempts at causing war. Of course, Germany’s reasons for causing the war were not exclusive- if Germany had not catalyzed the war, another European country would have eventually. This is because of the overwhelming nationalism and the clandestine alliances that had drifted through Europe. As nations’ militaries modernized and mechanized, their national confidence ballooned. Countries were eager to test their new industrialized armies, boasting protective alliances with weaker nations and arrogantly taunting other superpowers.
For instance, Russia considered Serbia its “little Slavic brother,” entering the war in an effort to protect it. These tangled ties pulled many nations into war. It was Germany, however, that pushed these concepts too far. With their alliance to Austria-Hungary, Germany entered the Great War in “defense” against Serbia. This led to conflict with Russia, leading to a German conflict with Great Britain and France. Without Germany’s irritation of Russia, WWI might have remained a small scuffle between Austria and Serbia.
Austria began this scuffle by annexing Herzegovina and Bosnia and angering Bosnia, leading to the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand in 1914. However, this push for war by Austria was encouraged by German support and influence, a “blank check.” Germany promised support, but never followed through with an attack on Serbia. Following Russia’s mobilization, Germany invaded Russia’s ally, France. By taking a pre-emptive strike and by attacking a country that had not militarily provoked it, Germany again committed a major fault and wrong. In general, Germany’s power-hungry attitude and aggressive alliances were major contributors to WWI. There are several reasons that Russia, an often blamed nation, was not responsible for causing WWI.
The Term Paper on Comparison of Pre WWII Germany to Russia
Catherine The Great Catherine the Great By: Meredith Klein CATHERINE II I. Early life a. Childhood b. Interests II. Relationship with Peter III a. Marriage and Motherhood b. Overtaking of Peter III c. Death of Elizabeth II III. Catherine Empress of Russia a. Russian Orthodox Clergy b. Philosophers c. Pastimes d. Worries IV. Love and Power a. Love affairs b. Accomplishments V. Conclusion a. ...
Russia’s defense of Serbia was built out of a common ancestry and culture, a popular connection being made throughout Europe. When Russia mobilized its army in defense of its little Slavic brother, it was defending its cultural kin. In contrast, Germany’s protection of Austria was built on domination and greed. Germany’s alliance was only temporary, and it was built largely on economic and conceited principles.
It wanted supremacy in Europe, and it appeased the rising Austria with an alliance instead of creating hostilities and threats to Germany’s conquest. Ironically, this became the downfall of Germany’s rise to power. On a more practical level, Germany’s goal for world domination was highlighted by the arms race. Each superpower tried to build a bigger and more advanced navy. Although Great Britain dominated the seas for many decades, the emergence of Germany as a naval power contributed to the upset of the balance of power. It also boosted Germany’s confidence and physical military strength, allowing it to take on many countries at once.
The arms race itself also built up tension that played a role in causing the war, creating rivalries that would only be taken down through conflict. Although many European countries shared some blame for causing WWI, Germany’s overdone nationalistic ideals and arrogant protection policies were most responsible for the devastating conflict.
