To What Extent Was Germany Responsible for the First World War?

The First World War was not caused singularly by Germany and Austria-Hungary as the treaty of Versailles has set out. Germany is greatly responsible for much of the tension of the world situation in 1914, resulting from its aggressive policy of Weltpolitik, its attempts to have a superior navy, the Kaiser's personal poorly said remarks, and its attempts to break up the Triple Entente. However Germany was not solely responsible for the tension, many other events had occurred outside Germany's control, which had the same effect. Germany was also largely responsible for allowing the conflict in the Balkans to escalate into a major European conflict, by giving Austria-Hungary free reign, though it was not their intent. However Germany should not be held responsible for implementing its Schlieffen plan once war seemed immanent, as it was militarily necessary. Despite having large responsibility in the causation of the first world war, they should not hold the position alone as many other nation contributed or could have intervened.

In the decades before the outbreak of war in 1914, Germany had been the major instigator of tension between the European powers. Under the policy of Weltpolitik (world politics) Germany's wished to play a large part in international affairs, join in on the quest for colonial territory, and spread German influence abroad. The other European powers were all pursuing their own imperialistic policies and were all competing for the same aims as Germany. When Germany tried to bully its way into the grab for colonies the other nations responded by forming alliances isolating it. Weltpolitik accomplished very little positive effects, instead managing to sour international relations, and cause a great deal of ...

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...e war and did things that sped the road to war on.

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