Question

To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically.

Answer 1

The question of Germany's responsibility for causing the two World Wars is complex and has been the subject of extensive historical debate. Both World Wars had multiple causes, involving various nations and a web of political, economic, and social factors. Here, we critically examine Germany's role in each conflict, while also considering the broader context.

Germany’s Role in World War I

Background and Causes

1. Alliance System and Militarism:

   • Europe was divided into two major alliances: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain). This system created a climate of tension and mutual suspicion.
   • Example: Germany's pursuit of a powerful military and naval expansion contributed to an arms race, particularly with Britain.

2. Nationalism and Imperial Ambitions:

   • Germany sought to expand its influence and compete with other European powers for colonial territories, contributing to international tensions.
   • Example: The Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911, where Germany challenged French influence in Morocco, heightened tensions.

3. The July Crisis and Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:

   • The assassination of the Austrian heir triggered a series of diplomatic maneuvers and ultimatums. Germany offered unconditional support to Austria-Hungary, known as the “blank cheque,” which encouraged aggressive actions against Serbia.
   • Example: Germany's support for Austria-Hungary led to a chain reaction, drawing in other major powers and escalating the crisis into a full-scale war.

Germany’s Responsibility

• Aggressive Diplomacy and Military Planning:

  • Germany's aggressive diplomacy and its Schlieffen Plan, which involved invading Belgium to quickly defeat France, indicate premeditated military strategies that contributed to the war's outbreak.
  • Example: The violation of Belgian neutrality prompted Britain to declare war on Germany, broadening the conflict.

• Shared Responsibility:

  • While Germany played a significant role, the war's causes were complex, involving various nations. Nationalist fervor, imperial rivalries, and alliance commitments also contributed to the war's outbreak.
  • Example: Russia's mobilization, France's support for Russia, and Austria-Hungary's aggression towards Serbia were also key factors.

Historiographical Debate

• War Guilt Clause:
  • The Treaty of Versailles (1919) assigned blame to Germany and its allies for causing the war, a view that has been debated by historians.
  • Example: Historians like Fritz Fischer argued for Germany's primary responsibility, while others, such as A.J.P. Taylor, emphasized the systemic nature of European politics and shared blame.

Germany’s Role in World War II

Background and Causes

1. Rise of Nazi Germany:

   • The Treaty of Versailles left Germany economically weakened and politically unstable, creating conditions for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, which pursued aggressive expansionist policies.
   • Example: The Nazi ideology promoted militarism, racial superiority, and territorial expansion, directly challenging the post-World War I order.

2. Aggressive Expansion and Violations of Treaties:

   • Germany’s annexation of Austria (Anschluss), the occupation of Czechoslovakia, and the invasion of Poland were clear violations of international treaties and norms.
   • Example: The Munich Agreement of 1938 allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland, but further aggression showed Hitler's disregard for diplomatic agreements.

3. Failure of Appeasement:

   • The policy of appeasement by Britain and France, aimed at avoiding war by making concessions to Germany, failed to prevent further aggression and emboldened Hitler.
   • Example: The lack of a firm response to the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 and other aggressive moves demonstrated the weaknesses of appeasement.

Germany’s Responsibility

• Central Role in Aggression:

  • Germany's aggressive expansionism, driven by Nazi ideology, was a central factor in the outbreak of World War II. Hitler's policies and actions were direct catalysts for the conflict.
  • Example: The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the start of World War II.

• Shared Responsibility with Axis Powers:

  • While Germany was the primary instigator, its Axis allies, such as Italy and Japan, also pursued aggressive expansion, contributing to the global conflict.
  • Example: Japan's invasion of China and Italy's conquests in Africa and Europe were part of a broader pattern of aggression by Axis powers.

Historiographical Debate

• Intentionalist vs. Structuralist Views:
  • Intentionalist historians emphasize Hitler's personal role and ideological goals, while structuralists focus on broader social and economic factors that facilitated Nazi aggression.
  • Example: Historians like Ian Kershaw highlight Hitler's leadership and ideology, while others like Tim Mason consider economic pressures and systemic factors.

Comparison and Conclusion

• World War I: Germany's responsibility is debated, with significant blame attributed to its militaristic and aggressive diplomacy, but shared with other European powers due to the complex web of alliances and rivalries.

• World War II: Germany bears a more direct responsibility due to the deliberate and ideologically driven expansionist policies of the Nazi regime, which directly led to the outbreak of the war.

In summary, while Germany played pivotal roles in both World Wars, the extent of its responsibility varies. World War I resulted from a confluence of factors involving multiple nations, while World War II was more clearly initiated by German aggression under Nazi leadership. Understanding these nuances is crucial in assessing the causes and responsibilities for these global conflicts.