Using the information above and from the chapter, outline a brief essay with support related to the following guiding question: “To what extent was Germany already at war with Europe by 1914?”
I believe that Germany was already at war with Europe due to all of Bismarck’s successors and its unstable government. Germany was not already in an actual war with Europe, but all the competitive acts between the countries seemed to make the war more likely. There were many events that occurred in Germany or had something to do with Germany that led to war with Europe in 1914.
One example is the rapid growth in Germany’s navy that took Britain’s attention, whose navy was supposed to be the strongest of the world. The German navy became stronger during Hohenlohe’s reign. The growth of the navy also brought nationalism in Germany and nationalism is a very important aspect when it comes to war. A sign of nationalism and patriotism was detected when the Navy Office and the War Ministry asked the new Chancellor, Bethmann Hollweg, and the bill was easily passed by the Reichstag. This growth was considered as a threat to Russia.
The Kaiser felt that it was necessary for Germany to have a good relationship with Britain and wanted to improve their relations by publishing a Telegraph, in 1908, that had an interview of the Kaiser saying that he only wanted peace. This shows that the German government already feared that a powerful country like Britain could turn against Germany and easily cause war.
A bigger step toward war occurred when Caprivi did not renew the Reinsurance Treaty between Russia and Germany, since he thought that an alliance with Russia was unacceptable. The fall of treaty not the only thing that angered Russia, but when the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy) was renewed Russia felt isolated. Because of her isolation, Russia allied with France. This was Bismarck’s nightmare.
Germany believed that Britain would not get involves with all the alliances and so she did little to win Britain over and have her as an alliance. However, Germany’s actions only caused Britain to turn against her. In 1907 the Triple Entente was formed which included Russia, France and Britain and this formation concluded Europe’s division.
Tensions Occurred after that. A crisis in the Balkans occurred between Russia and Austria and when Germany supported Austria, Russia was forced to step down causing her determination to get revenge. Tensions occurred between Germany and Britain when Britain realized how strong the German navy had become. It was only a matter of time for the war to begin.
The assassination of the new Austrian king, in 1914, was the last step towards war. A Serb extremist had murdered him and therefore if Austria declared war on Serbia, Russia would have to get involved, along with all the allies. Austria declared war on Serbia and thus, the First World War had begun.
All these events show that the countries of Europe knew that war was likely to happen and therefore all they did was provoke it and speed the war. All these alliances and tensions point out that war already occurred in the people’s minds.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Germany Chapter 2
Guided Reading:
Question:
1) Why did Bismarck resign? What might this say about the state and intentions of Germany in the upcoming era?
I believe that Bismarck resigned due to his clash of personality with the new Kaiser. Despite his efforts to continue do thing his own way like he did before Wilhelm I died, the new Kaiser denied them all. Towards the end everyone in the government turned against him, for example when the new Reichstag was elected the two Parties that got the most seats were the Centre Party and the Social Democratic Party which both loathed Bismarck.
Bismarck was not a socialist in contrary with Wilhelm II who believed n change and wanted to give more privileges to the middle and working classed. This shows that after Bismarck’s resignation Germany would face many changes. I believe that in the upcoming era Germany will become more Democratic.
Question:
1) Why did Bismarck resign? What might this say about the state and intentions of Germany in the upcoming era?
I believe that Bismarck resigned due to his clash of personality with the new Kaiser. Despite his efforts to continue do thing his own way like he did before Wilhelm I died, the new Kaiser denied them all. Towards the end everyone in the government turned against him, for example when the new Reichstag was elected the two Parties that got the most seats were the Centre Party and the Social Democratic Party which both loathed Bismarck.
Bismarck was not a socialist in contrary with Wilhelm II who believed n change and wanted to give more privileges to the middle and working classed. This shows that after Bismarck’s resignation Germany would face many changes. I believe that in the upcoming era Germany will become more Democratic.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Germany Chapter 1
Guided Reading
PART I:
Define and give the significance of the following terms as they relate to The unification of Germany and the road to World War One (this means write two sentences, one that defines the term and a second which says why its important related to the unit of study):
Kaiser Wilhelm –
Brother of King Fredrich Wilhelm IV, whose country suffered a constitutional crisis. In order to keep his throne and propositions, Kaiser Wilhelm appointed Otto von Bismarck as Minister-President so he could pass the bill of the now expensive Prussian army through the Parliament to gain their approval in strengthening the army.
Zollverein –
A Prussian Customs Unity that included a single, low tariff which was charged at Prussia’s border when trading occurred. Neighboring states joined the Zollverein, which excluded Austria and this was a significant fact because the growth in the economy could potentially lead to a political union without Austria.
Crimean War –
In this war Austria had offered her support to Russia, Britain and France and therefore had gained three powerful allies, but lost them when he alienated Russia without ensuring the support of neither Britain nor France. This is important because when Austria was economically desperate she had no help.
Otto von Bismarck –
Appointed Minister-President in 1862 after the king was in a constitutional crisis. Played a significant role in the unification of Germany.
The Seven Weeks War –
War between Austria and Prussia, mostly provoked by Prussia, Bismarck. Bismarck occupied Holstein after Austria had broken the Gastein treaty and when war ended Bismarck decided not to annex any Austrian because he feared that Austria would ally with any of other Prussia’s enemies.
Schleswig and Holstein –
Two duchies under Danish sovereignty which were very popular. At first, after the Gastein Treaty, Holstein would be administered by Austria and Schleswig would be governed by Prussia under joint sovereignty, but after the success of Prussia in the Seven Weeks War, Prussia took over both duchies.
Franco Prussian War –
It started due to the provocation of Bismarck when the incident with the Ems Telegram occurred. Prussia had a potential victory because: Austria had no reason to ally with France, German army was in good shape and all equipments were effective. The outcome of this war, Prussia’s victory, was about to cause tension and ensured a a long rivalry and hatred between the two countries.
The Ems Telegram –
A telegram from King Wilhelm to Bismarck emphasizing the King’s meeting with the French Ambassador, who had been sent by Gramont, the French Foreign Minister, to pressure Wilhelm to renounce Prince Leopold’s claim of the Spanish crown, permanently. This telegram is important because it was edited by Bismarck to firmly insult the French, by Wilhelm, and then published in Berlin and therefore provoking war with France.
Alsace and Lorraine –
French territories annexed to Germany, after France was forced to sign the Treaty of Frankfurt due to her loss in the Franco Prussian war. Also, due to France’s loss of territories, it was forced to pay an indemnity of 5 billion francs.
PART II: Answer the following questions in simple note taking form. You will NOT find direct answers to these questions in the text as they are designed for you to read, understand and synthesize the information into broad concepts. Be sure you write in such a way that you understand and can study from your comments.
1) What was Europe like in the early to mid-1800s?
Europeans were defined by social classes, the population expanded rapidly, nationalism grew, society became more urban.
2) Which factor seems to be most disruptive to European passivity, economics, politics or nationalism/ethnicity? Give evidence.
I believe that politics is the factor that seems to be an obsession to Europe, particularly political union in Germany. Prussia’s desperate attempts to unite Germany, for example: The Zollverein, although an economical union, Bismarck hoped it would lead to political union which did not. Bismarck’s war with Austria in order to gain some German land and rule it under the same constitution and his war with France that eventually had an outcome of political unity.
3) What was successful and unsuccessful about the Zollverein? About other attempts at political structure in the mid-1800s?
Protected political independence, and many states were hostile towards Prussia.
4) Who was to blame for, and what were the outcomes of the Franco-Prussian War?
Bismarck is to be blamed for the Franco Prussian was due to his provocative action towards France, by humiliating Napoleon when he lost Luxemburg and his insulting words to the king of France. Germany was finally united.
5) In terms of the German Unification, rank the following factors in order of importance and provide a brief description of AND directly quoted evidence in support for your chosen order: Economy, Military build up, Bismarck’s leadership, Nationalism, and the provocation of other countries.
Bismarck’s leadership: He never gave and always insisted in uniting Germany and his devotion is shown by his smart leadership, a leadership that first needed to have a strong government : “Bismarck Finally ended the conflict over the army bill in Parliament by persuading the king to admit he was at fault and by successfully requesting Parliament’s approval for his actions over the previous four years.”(pp20)
Provocation of other countries: France’s provocation led to Bismarck’s drastic actions right before the war: “Garmont, the French Foreign Minister, insisted that Wilhelm should renounce Leopold’s claim permanently with the Prussian King, independently of Bismarck, refused to do.”(pp23)
Economy: The Zollverein was Prussia’s attempt to German union: “The four southern states were allowed to join the Zollverein and, in June 1867, Bismarck forced them to accept a new Zollparlament (customs union parliament). This organization would be dominated by Prussia and would include members of the North German Reichstag and elected members of the four southern states."(pp21)
Nationalism: This was another major factor because if a country like France lost to Prussia that would mean a German unification and therefore all countries would be ruled under the same constitution, like an empire,
Military build up: Prussia was positive and sure that she would win the war because of her high morale due to a good army: “The German army (to all intents and purposes the Prussian army) was in good shape.” (pp23)
PART I:
Define and give the significance of the following terms as they relate to The unification of Germany and the road to World War One (this means write two sentences, one that defines the term and a second which says why its important related to the unit of study):
Kaiser Wilhelm –
Brother of King Fredrich Wilhelm IV, whose country suffered a constitutional crisis. In order to keep his throne and propositions, Kaiser Wilhelm appointed Otto von Bismarck as Minister-President so he could pass the bill of the now expensive Prussian army through the Parliament to gain their approval in strengthening the army.
Zollverein –
A Prussian Customs Unity that included a single, low tariff which was charged at Prussia’s border when trading occurred. Neighboring states joined the Zollverein, which excluded Austria and this was a significant fact because the growth in the economy could potentially lead to a political union without Austria.
Crimean War –
In this war Austria had offered her support to Russia, Britain and France and therefore had gained three powerful allies, but lost them when he alienated Russia without ensuring the support of neither Britain nor France. This is important because when Austria was economically desperate she had no help.
Otto von Bismarck –
Appointed Minister-President in 1862 after the king was in a constitutional crisis. Played a significant role in the unification of Germany.
The Seven Weeks War –
War between Austria and Prussia, mostly provoked by Prussia, Bismarck. Bismarck occupied Holstein after Austria had broken the Gastein treaty and when war ended Bismarck decided not to annex any Austrian because he feared that Austria would ally with any of other Prussia’s enemies.
Schleswig and Holstein –
Two duchies under Danish sovereignty which were very popular. At first, after the Gastein Treaty, Holstein would be administered by Austria and Schleswig would be governed by Prussia under joint sovereignty, but after the success of Prussia in the Seven Weeks War, Prussia took over both duchies.
Franco Prussian War –
It started due to the provocation of Bismarck when the incident with the Ems Telegram occurred. Prussia had a potential victory because: Austria had no reason to ally with France, German army was in good shape and all equipments were effective. The outcome of this war, Prussia’s victory, was about to cause tension and ensured a a long rivalry and hatred between the two countries.
The Ems Telegram –
A telegram from King Wilhelm to Bismarck emphasizing the King’s meeting with the French Ambassador, who had been sent by Gramont, the French Foreign Minister, to pressure Wilhelm to renounce Prince Leopold’s claim of the Spanish crown, permanently. This telegram is important because it was edited by Bismarck to firmly insult the French, by Wilhelm, and then published in Berlin and therefore provoking war with France.
Alsace and Lorraine –
French territories annexed to Germany, after France was forced to sign the Treaty of Frankfurt due to her loss in the Franco Prussian war. Also, due to France’s loss of territories, it was forced to pay an indemnity of 5 billion francs.
PART II: Answer the following questions in simple note taking form. You will NOT find direct answers to these questions in the text as they are designed for you to read, understand and synthesize the information into broad concepts. Be sure you write in such a way that you understand and can study from your comments.
1) What was Europe like in the early to mid-1800s?
Europeans were defined by social classes, the population expanded rapidly, nationalism grew, society became more urban.
2) Which factor seems to be most disruptive to European passivity, economics, politics or nationalism/ethnicity? Give evidence.
I believe that politics is the factor that seems to be an obsession to Europe, particularly political union in Germany. Prussia’s desperate attempts to unite Germany, for example: The Zollverein, although an economical union, Bismarck hoped it would lead to political union which did not. Bismarck’s war with Austria in order to gain some German land and rule it under the same constitution and his war with France that eventually had an outcome of political unity.
3) What was successful and unsuccessful about the Zollverein? About other attempts at political structure in the mid-1800s?
Protected political independence, and many states were hostile towards Prussia.
4) Who was to blame for, and what were the outcomes of the Franco-Prussian War?
Bismarck is to be blamed for the Franco Prussian was due to his provocative action towards France, by humiliating Napoleon when he lost Luxemburg and his insulting words to the king of France. Germany was finally united.
5) In terms of the German Unification, rank the following factors in order of importance and provide a brief description of AND directly quoted evidence in support for your chosen order: Economy, Military build up, Bismarck’s leadership, Nationalism, and the provocation of other countries.
Bismarck’s leadership: He never gave and always insisted in uniting Germany and his devotion is shown by his smart leadership, a leadership that first needed to have a strong government : “Bismarck Finally ended the conflict over the army bill in Parliament by persuading the king to admit he was at fault and by successfully requesting Parliament’s approval for his actions over the previous four years.”(pp20)
Provocation of other countries: France’s provocation led to Bismarck’s drastic actions right before the war: “Garmont, the French Foreign Minister, insisted that Wilhelm should renounce Leopold’s claim permanently with the Prussian King, independently of Bismarck, refused to do.”(pp23)
Economy: The Zollverein was Prussia’s attempt to German union: “The four southern states were allowed to join the Zollverein and, in June 1867, Bismarck forced them to accept a new Zollparlament (customs union parliament). This organization would be dominated by Prussia and would include members of the North German Reichstag and elected members of the four southern states."(pp21)
Nationalism: This was another major factor because if a country like France lost to Prussia that would mean a German unification and therefore all countries would be ruled under the same constitution, like an empire,
Military build up: Prussia was positive and sure that she would win the war because of her high morale due to a good army: “The German army (to all intents and purposes the Prussian army) was in good shape.” (pp23)
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