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Post by Winterhaze13 on Mar 3, 2005 13:06:11 GMT -5
I think that the origins of the First World War is one of the most fascinating debates it history. Many historian such as Fritz Fischer believe that German was completely at fault, I do not share this opinion. I believe that no one country can be completely at fault, Russia and Austria-Hungary did the most to provoke this war, and that the others were trying to protect their interests. For example, Germany was looking out for their only real ally Austria, while also trying to protect their best interests on the continent. Which is a valid defence, every country looks out for their best interests. What do you guys think?
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andrew
Long Term Member
Senior Contributor
Posts: 66
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Post by andrew on Mar 4, 2005 7:50:28 GMT -5
Hey take a look at Victor point the finger of blame the post in this message group.
Yes I agree that all of the major powers of Europe were at fault. But the fact that Germany was the first one to use actual force was what that allies used as the smoking gun. I would lean further towards Russia who showed hostile expansionism for the past few decades and was at the time strongly reinforced by the French. All of that with the fact that the Russians had lost to the French and the British in the Crimean War, the Japanese in the 1904-5 War, and had backed down to the Germans in 1910. So Russian faith in their government was dwindling. It seems that Russia could either not back ideas it would not fight over or back down once it had taken a side or revolution could have occured at an eariler time.
I don't think the Germans are guiltless but they are far from the agressor. I would say that Austria was more of an aggressor within the Central Alliance but I believe even Austria's efforts were within their jurisdiction. The Serbians had been mounting a campaign of propaganda towards dividing Austria and Hungry. The program was backed by all levels of Serbian Government. The assasignation of arch Duke was just the cherry on the cake. Austria had every right to smash the Serbians, my only problem with Austria is that if they would have lunged sooner than the World Court would not have had time to intervene. But you can hardly say that waiting for world approval is provoking the war.
Have a good day!
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