Austria-Hungary Was To Blame For The First World War

Throughout the past half-century, historians have generally agreed that German decisions and policies were solely to blame for the start of the world war in 1914. This notion has been left relatively unquestioned, although, contemporary research has begun to reconsider who is at fault for the events leading up to the First World War. 4 trends have begun to emerge while discussing the guilt of Germany, as well as other European powers. Firstly, a lack of emphasis has been placed on Austria-Hungary’s policies. Secondly, long-term factors and the international political climate of the time have largely been ignored. Third, the importance of alliance systems and diplomacy has been disregarded in most historical texts. Finally, it is important to consider the importance of human agency.

Austria-Hungary has historically tried to pass blame onto Germany; however, it is evident that the Austro-Hungary government and military needed no convincing to go to war in 1914. From a military standpoint, war was seen as a political and strategic necessity. Similarly, from a political perspective the government prematurely ready for war. Although, Austria was prepared to start a war it’s unclear whether or not Austrian leadership would have deemed military action in Serbia necessary had it not been for the

backing of German leadership. Clearly, Austria was not interested in a European war, but Germany and Austria-Hungary were so keen on military action that this eventually led to a second sequence of events, which unfolded on a much larger scale.

When examining the causes of the First World War, it is vital to consider the long-term factors and the international political climate at the time.

Germany evidently disregarded attempts to reach diplomatic de-escalation with other European powers, especially Britain. All of the major European powers were faced with suspicion and paranoia of each other and feared the possibility of external invasion. The triple entente was reluctant in allowing Germany to expand and reach its full potential, which may have led to their defensive attitude and offensive policies. Despite this, Germany was hungry for war and international history fails to explain exactly why the war broke

out.

Moments of de-escalation and détente were crucial in attempting to prevent the war. Previous success in the area of diplomacy when facing crises throughout the past half-century indicated that war could easily be avoided. Although German leadership had no intentions of détente, they presumed that other countries would back down when faced with the Germans aggressive policies and they would achieve a diplomatic victory. Although, war seemed extremely improbable at the time Germany and Austria-Hungary officials were insistent on military action.

Finally, human agency played a key role in decision-making leading up to the war. Much of the blame of the escalation of the First World War can be placed on the decisions of individuals in leadership positions. Not everyone believed that de-escalation was the solution to the crisis at the time, and many decisions were made purely out of self-interest. Arguably, different decision making at the highest levels could have created a different outcome and avoided war all together.

In conclusion, it is irrational to place the blame of the First World War entirely on Germany. The decisions of those in leadership positions, a thirst for war and the international political climate of the time all play key roles in the escalation of conflict. Although Germany cannot be entirely to blame, not one nation is entirely innocent. Each European power assumes some sort of guilt when it comes to the events leading up to the Great War.