Ryan Reeder
1. Do you agree with the contention that World War I was inevitable? Why or why not?
World War I was not inevitable. While many factors, such as alliance systems, nationalism, and militarism played roles in bringing about World War I, the deciding element were the flawed personalities of the leaders of European nations. An analysis of the events leading up to general war will reveal this.
I. Assassination of Franz Ferdinand and German pledge of support
A. German response
1. Wilhelm II expresses personal grief
2. Assassination poses threat to monarchical principle in Europe
3. Unaware of Austria's plans
4. Offers oath (Nibelungentreue), can't be retracted. Karl Maeser's Circle of Honor
B. Results
1. Germany offered up unconditionally
2. Austria emboldened to gamble
II. Austria issues ultimatum to Serbia
A. Motivations
1. Austria in decline
2. Attempt to preserve pride and prestige
3. Promised German support
B. The Ultimatum
1. Serbia given 48 hrs to respond
2. Terms
a. Dissolution of Serbian nationalist groups
b. Dismissal of key military officers
c. Arrest of leading political figures
d. Austria given the right to implement these measures to satisfaction
3. Given to elicit a negative response
4. Serbia agrees mostly; except for giving up rights to national sovereignty
5. Austria rejects immediately; begins bombing Belgrade
III. Response and Mediation attempts
A. Serbia appeals to Russia for aid
1. Russia technologically backward, views old ways as superior
2. Sees Austria as aggressor; sense of morality
3. Begins mobilization
B. Austria and Russia both mobilize to deter the other from mobilization
C. Wilhelm II tries to mediate
1. Willy-Nicky letters
2. Wilhelm II panics, paranoia
3. Believes Russia, France and England are in conspiracy to surround and destroy Germany
IV. War
A. Militaristic idea of first strike; strict military schedules
B. August 1-Germany declares war on France, England, Russia; begins mobilization
C. Offer of neutrality from England and France if France not invaded
D. Chief of Staff Moltke-"It cannot be done"
V. Conclusions- War caused by personalities
A. Sense of Honor
1. Austrian pride, need to flex military muscles to prove it has them
2. German promise-honor to keep at any cost
B. Wilhelm II's Paranoia
C. Shortsightedness-early conceptions of a short, localized war
D. Lack of empathy for others' perspectives