Was German Aggression responsible for the outbreak of WW1?

Was German Aggression responsible for the outbreak of WW1?

1. Yes

   • Escape forwards
     • The government wanted to distract the general public from social problems
       • Poverty increase due to urbanisation
       • Since 1912 the SPD had become the largest political group showing the rise in extremism
     • Zabern Affair showed social resistance
   • Planned War of Aggression
     • Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900
     • War Council meeting of 1912
   • 'Free-Hand' policy
   • The Schliefen Plan violated Belgium neutrality and anticipated War on two fronts
     • Planned originally in 1905 and remained unchanged
       • The first 40 days of war were by railway timetable
   • Their continual support for Austria Hungary
     • Moroccan Crisis 1909
     • Balkans Crisis 1912-13
     • 'Blank Cheque' offered 5th July 1914
   • Welttpolitik indicated they wanted territorial gain

2. No

   • Germany felt encircled
     • Agreements that they were not part of
       • Triple Entente
   • Calculated Risk - European War was inevitable and the sooner the better for Germany
     • Increasing tensions in Europe
       • Moroccan Crisis
       • Bosnian Crisis
       • Balkan Wars
     • Army expansions
       • Naval rivals with Britain
       • Russia - 500,000 extra troops in 1913
       • France - extended conscription from 2 to 3 years