Imagine being the one to blame for millions of lives and billions upon billions of dollars lost. World War 1 caused devastation for four long years when it was only supposed to last a short 18 months. Once the war ended, all the blame found its way onto Germany’s shoulders through the Treaty of Versailles, article 231, war guilt. Article 231 however is wrong; Germany should not be taking all the blame because of, firstly, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which Serbia was responsible for and caused the first declaration of war. Militarism and alliances which were causing tension are also to blame, Germany was not the only one strengthening their army and making alliances. And lastly, Russia and France were mobilizing their armies
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The Triple Entente and Triple Alliance were formed which caused agitation to grow. Nationalism was immensely popular at the time, because people started to associate themselves with their nation. The reasons for the war came from blind rage or pride. As a consequence, tension seemed to rise for no reason. “None of the rulers of the great powers knew what they were fighting about” (document 3). The citizens of the great powers simply wanted to flaunt how powerful they were and thought their egos could prove it. Nationalism went too far however and escalated because all the countries involved wanted to protect their alliances, because of this when one country waged war their ally was expected to do the same. All rulers also used propaganda so that the public would believe their country was doing very well in the war. So obviously having to stop an army suddenly and inform them they can go home would have many questioning their leader on the decision. “I telegraphed to H. M. the King personally that mobilization being already carried out could not be stopped” (document 11b). Kaiser Wilhelm had already directed his army towards France to defend against their already approaching forces. Giving them orders to suddenly stop would have raised suspension, instead, he offered to be reasonable and redirect. Militarism and nationalism would have been the reason for questions and suspension from the people in this situation because they would think that their leader was
The Triple Entente and Triple Alliance were formed which caused agitation to grow. Nationalism was immensely popular at the time, because people started to associate themselves with their nation. The reasons for the war came from blind rage or pride. As a consequence, tension seemed to rise for no reason. “None of the rulers of the great powers knew what they were fighting about” (document 3). The citizens of the great powers simply wanted to flaunt how powerful they were and thought their egos could prove it. Nationalism went too far however and escalated because all the countries involved wanted to protect their alliances, because of this when one country waged war their ally was expected to do the same. All rulers also used propaganda so that the public would believe their country was doing very well in the war. So obviously having to stop an army suddenly and inform them they can go home would have many questioning their leader on the decision. “I telegraphed to H. M. the King personally that mobilization being already carried out could not be stopped” (document 11b). Kaiser Wilhelm had already directed his army towards France to defend against their already approaching forces. Giving them orders to suddenly stop would have raised suspension, instead, he offered to be reasonable and redirect. Militarism and nationalism would have been the reason for questions and suspension from the people in this situation because they would think that their leader was