How Far Was Germany Responsible For World War 1

Although Austria declared war on Serbia, due to the murder of an Austrian royal official, initiating World War 1, to a great extent, Germany should be blamed for the war because they unnecessarily involved several other countries, extended the war through unrestricted submarine warfare the Schlieffen Plan, and also creating several secret alliances, creating tension and distrust throughout Europe. In some ways, Germany is not responsible for the war because the murder of the Austro-Hungarian royal official, by a Serbian terrorist group, lead to Austria initially starting the war. During the 1900’s, there was an extreme rise of nationalism, or one’s deep devotion to their nation. This, along with imperialism, the endless arms race, and militarism, lead to every nation to be on the brink of war, waiting to see who would set off the bomb first. This action happened

In attempts of peace and unification, Otto von Bismarck tried to isolate France through alliances with Germany, Austria-Hungary, and eventually Italy, forming the Triple Alliance. Again taking another ally away from France, Bismarck signed a treaty with Russia. Later, Bismarck was forced to step down and Kaiser Wilhelm II became the ruler of Germany. As a stubborn and prideful man, he declared that he would “show the world just how mighty Germany had become” (World History Textbook, page 408). He annihilated the treaty with Russia, in which Russia responded with an alliance with France. Wilhelm’s actions as ruler of Germany also lead to Great Britain forming the Triple Entente with France and Russia. As shown, Germany’s actions lead to a domino effect of several alliances in Europe, tying the nations up into a net of war. All of these alliances will be what leads to the ferocity of this particular