Causes of World War I / Part Three

Causes of World War I 

Part Three

Alliance Policy, Irresponsible Leadership 

Alliance policy seemingly provides security and stability to allied countries, but this same policy proves to be a sword hanging over the territorial integrity of other allied countries. To address this threat, opposing countries also form their own alliances, as a result of which the nature of the threats is not limited to one or two countries, but engulfs the entire continent and sometimes the entire world.

Bismarck's Diplomacy and United Germany

As a result of the successful diplomatic efforts of Prussian President Otto von Bismarck, the united German state was established. Kaiser Wilhelm II was elected king for this new empire, while Bismarck remained in the presidency.

Contrary to expansionist thinking, Bismarck adopted a policy of consolidating Germany as a complete empire and strengthening its defense. Under this strategy, he secretly formed a triple alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy.

Bismarck was a supporter of limited and regional wars.  In his opinion, colonial interests outside Europe were not so important that they should be waged in large-scale and all-out wars.

Balance of power and the Bismarck era

On the one hand, Bismarck was part of the Triple Alliance, while on the other hand, defense agreements were maintained with Russia. Thanks to this balance of power, the Bismarck era is considered relatively safe for Europe. During this period, Berlin had become the center of European politics and major decisions were made from there.

Dismissal of Bismarck and the directionlessness of German foreign policy

In 1890, Bismarck was removed from the presidency, after which Germany's foreign policy lost a clear direction. The following year, a delegation from Russia to renew the defense treaty was rejected, citing the Triple Alliance. This decision was tantamount to open hostility for Russia.

As a result of this U-turn, Russia became closer to France, and finally in 1894, the two countries entered into a mutual defense treaty against the Triple Alliance.

 Britain's involvement and the dangerous balance of Europe

France was well aware of British naval power, which is why it constantly informed London of the threat from Germany. Kaiser Wilhelm II's expansionist thinking and colonial ambitions made the situation worse.

When Admiral Tripitz of the German Navy began to rapidly increase its naval power, Britain's concerns became acute, and finally in 1905 Britain also joined the alliance of Russia and France.

A spark and the threat of world war

In this situation, even the slightest mistake by one country could plunge the whole of Europe into the flames of war. In addition, there were defense agreements with several smaller European countries, such as:

The defense of Serbia was the responsibility of Russia

The security of Belgium was the responsibility of Britain

Thus, the policy of alliances brought the whole of Europe to a powder keg.

Irresponsible leadership and aggressive behavior

The 1870s were a period of political stability in Europe, but after a long peace, the warlike nature of the rulers reemerged.  Wise and cautious leadership was gradually ignored and hasty rulers dominated decision-making.

After 1891, Germany's behavior became particularly irresponsible. On the one hand, it was gaining hostility from Russia and France, while on the other hand, plans were being made for a naval war against Britain. In this context, aggressive strategies such as the Schlieffen Plan emerged, which were a serious threat to European peace.

Austria-Hungary's provocative policies

Despite internal political turmoil and economic weaknesses, Austria-Hungary was constantly engaged in confrontation with its neighbors. Strained relations with Serbia, racial discrimination in Romania, and differences with Italy undermined the Triple Alliance from within.

Industrial Revolution, Colonization, and the Arms Race

In the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution transformed the economic, military, and political thinking of Europe. The acquisition of colonies became a symbol of economic progress, which led to European powers competing with each other in Asia and Africa.

 The arms race, the growth of naval power, modern industrialization, and military expansion made war inevitable. National prejudices, linguistic differences, and a sense of cultural superiority blocked all avenues of mutual understanding.

Conclusion

The intellectual and scientific insight needed to manage coalition politics was lacking among the rulers of that era. Irresponsible decisions, expansionist ambitions, and policies adopted for the sake of temporary interests ultimately led to the devastating tragedy of World War I—a war without precedent in human history

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