The Controversy Over Germany's Aims In The First World War

Historians have heavily debated the causes of the First World War.

Fritz Fischer, author of Germany’s Aims in the First World War, wrote that Germany was undeniably responsible for the war. Fischer argues that Germany took advantage of the Austro-Serbian conflict in order to stage a preventive war, and pull herself out of European isolation. His research showed that Germany had similar aims in both WWI and WWII, setting out to consciously to become a world power. He argued Germany’s aim to gain large territories in central and eastern Europe was very similar to Hitler’s later goal for Lebensraum in eastern Europe. According to Fischer, Germany’s leaders regarded a war with France and Russia as extremely likely, and even inevitable. (pg 29
Fischer responds to criticism in World Power or Decline: The Controversy Over Germany’s Aims in the First World War. Historians responded to Fischer, claiming that France, England, and Russia were trying to quell the ambitious and prosperous Germany and, finally, in 1914, these countries attacked. This attack by Germany’s neighbors forced her to defend herself, and any war aims were purely defensive. (pg vii in world power or decline) However, Fischer argued that Germany had many other motives beyond simply helping her
Konrad H. Jarausch wrote that while Germany activity influenced Austria-Hungary, she was acting as an ally and friend with good intentions. (jarausch 61) Therefore, while Germany may have had influence in the start of the war, the blame is not solely hers. Egmont Zechlin’s views were similar, and he argued that after Wilhelm II gave Austria-Hungary the “blank cheque” he realized that the crisis might escalate into a European war. However, Zechlin did not believe that Wilhelm II believed a European war was inevitable when he pledged Germany’s support to her