To What Extent Should Germany Be Held Responsible for the Start of the First World War?

To a large extent Germany should be held responsible for the start of the war. They gave Austria-Hungary a ‘blank cheque’ for action against Serbia. They were a major play in the ‘Arms Race’. They had expansionist policies that were a threat to other countries. On the other hand it could be argued that it was not entirely Germany’s fault. It was Serbia’s fault for its expansionist policies and reckless behavior. Russia could also be blamed for further inflaming the situation in July 1914. Britain can also bare responsibility for its part in the ‘Arms Race’. France further increased tension over the Moroccan Crisis in 1912. The whole political setup of alliances was also very responsible.

Germany has to bare most responsibility as it gave a ‘blank cheque’ to Austria Hungary. This ‘blank cheque’ was the assurance that was given to Austria-Hungary that Germany would support the decision they made in Vienna. The ‘blank cheque’ was given to the Austrian ambassador by Bethman Hollweg on the 6th of July 1914, which was the day after it was requested. This permitted Austria-Hungary to be as aggressive as they wanted without fear of the repercussions they would face from Serbia and its allies. The ‘blank cheque’ was actually a catalyst for the start of the war. It led to the start of the war and to it being Germany’s fault because if Germany had not given this assurance to Austria-Hungary, then they might have not retaliated towards Serbia in the way they did.

While Britain and France were also involved in the ‘Arms Race’, Germany was a major player.

Germany was aggressive. In 1912 Germany wanted to improve and increase their army and navy. All of the Powers in Europe, except for Britain, had conscription. Germany increased the number of men by 170,000 in July of 1914. Seeing Germany’s new ambitions, France lengthened their service time from two years to three years and Russia increased theirs from three years to about three and a half years [1]. The naval race was the...