In the aftermath of World War One, Germany realized that any hope for achieving peace
that allowed some measure of honor was impossible. The triumphant Allied Powers believed that
the nation was responsible for beginning the war and should suffer the consequences. Reparation
payments, severely reduced military strength, and other punitive actions were established in the
Treaty of Versailles that formally ended the war. However, these punishments were unreasonable
because Germany was not solely responsible for starting World War One. When considering the
factors of nationalism, militarism, and alliances that played an important part in making conflict
possible, responsibility for the war evenly falls upon the major participants from both the Allied
and Central Powers. Ultimately, Germany cannot be singled out for beginning World War One
because that nation acted with the same motivations that influenced the other major participants.
Nationalism was one important factor that influenced German participation in World War
One. During this conflict, the people of Germany believed that they were fighting for the future
survival of the country (Swope 20). To preserve the nation that held high importance and brought
great pride, the people would fight with extensive enthusiasm and determination. Nothing would
remove the German determination to protect their homeland against devastation from aggressive
forces except the destruction of the people themselves. Additional stimulus for nationalism came
from the belief that not acting with dedication and patriotism for the nation would not only mean
the devastation of Germany, but also cultural destruction for every current citizen and all future
generations. The people believed that the right and privilege for themsleves and all later citizens
to live as Germans and develop their heritage was being threatened (Swope 20). The people of
Germany wanted to protect their nation for the current time and forever so that everyone could
become part of the longstanding culture that made Germany great. Again, nothing would impede
this motivation except taking away the ability of the people to fight for their nation.
, Nationalism was also one major factor that motivated Serbian subjects under the Austro-
Hungarian Empire. Serbia had long fallen under Austrian domination and ardently desired total
autonomy. Fanatical nationalistic expressions became common with examples coming from the
Black Hand and Union or Death organizations (Ward World War One Origins). Ferdinand had
demonstrated some willingness to make concessions, but that was not enough for the Serbian
nationalists. Only the establishment of an independent state that encompassed all Serbian people
would satisfy their demands and quell unrest. Under this goal of creating an independent state,
Serbia also promoted hyper nationalism throughout the whole Austro-Hungarian Empire. This
promotion of hyper nationalism proved highly motivating for Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian subject
that collaborated with the Black Hand association to successfully launch an assassination attempt
against Franz Ferdinand (Ward World War One Origins). It should be mentioned that killing the
archduke with nationalist motivations was the catalyst for World War One. This event itself may
not have guaranteed warfare, but set into the motion every other event that would cause fighting.
Alliances were another factor that influenced Germany becoming involved in World War
One. After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary received a communication that
Germany would not interfere with any action against Serbia. This message assured that Germany
would faithfully honor the alliance between the two powers (Ward World War One Origins). The
message basically presented unconditional support for any decision that would punish Serbia for
the assassination. Additional importance for this alliance comes from how Germany experienced
diplomatic isolation among the European community. Other than Austria-Hungary, Germany did
not have another power that would offer support. Protecting Austria-Hungary was essential for
maintaining the strength of the German Empire through the last friendly relationship that existed
(Ward World War One Origins). The empire was strong, but it would have taken a great deal of
that allowed some measure of honor was impossible. The triumphant Allied Powers believed that
the nation was responsible for beginning the war and should suffer the consequences. Reparation
payments, severely reduced military strength, and other punitive actions were established in the
Treaty of Versailles that formally ended the war. However, these punishments were unreasonable
because Germany was not solely responsible for starting World War One. When considering the
factors of nationalism, militarism, and alliances that played an important part in making conflict
possible, responsibility for the war evenly falls upon the major participants from both the Allied
and Central Powers. Ultimately, Germany cannot be singled out for beginning World War One
because that nation acted with the same motivations that influenced the other major participants.
Nationalism was one important factor that influenced German participation in World War
One. During this conflict, the people of Germany believed that they were fighting for the future
survival of the country (Swope 20). To preserve the nation that held high importance and brought
great pride, the people would fight with extensive enthusiasm and determination. Nothing would
remove the German determination to protect their homeland against devastation from aggressive
forces except the destruction of the people themselves. Additional stimulus for nationalism came
from the belief that not acting with dedication and patriotism for the nation would not only mean
the devastation of Germany, but also cultural destruction for every current citizen and all future
generations. The people believed that the right and privilege for themsleves and all later citizens
to live as Germans and develop their heritage was being threatened (Swope 20). The people of
Germany wanted to protect their nation for the current time and forever so that everyone could
become part of the longstanding culture that made Germany great. Again, nothing would impede
this motivation except taking away the ability of the people to fight for their nation.
, Nationalism was also one major factor that motivated Serbian subjects under the Austro-
Hungarian Empire. Serbia had long fallen under Austrian domination and ardently desired total
autonomy. Fanatical nationalistic expressions became common with examples coming from the
Black Hand and Union or Death organizations (Ward World War One Origins). Ferdinand had
demonstrated some willingness to make concessions, but that was not enough for the Serbian
nationalists. Only the establishment of an independent state that encompassed all Serbian people
would satisfy their demands and quell unrest. Under this goal of creating an independent state,
Serbia also promoted hyper nationalism throughout the whole Austro-Hungarian Empire. This
promotion of hyper nationalism proved highly motivating for Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian subject
that collaborated with the Black Hand association to successfully launch an assassination attempt
against Franz Ferdinand (Ward World War One Origins). It should be mentioned that killing the
archduke with nationalist motivations was the catalyst for World War One. This event itself may
not have guaranteed warfare, but set into the motion every other event that would cause fighting.
Alliances were another factor that influenced Germany becoming involved in World War
One. After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary received a communication that
Germany would not interfere with any action against Serbia. This message assured that Germany
would faithfully honor the alliance between the two powers (Ward World War One Origins). The
message basically presented unconditional support for any decision that would punish Serbia for
the assassination. Additional importance for this alliance comes from how Germany experienced
diplomatic isolation among the European community. Other than Austria-Hungary, Germany did
not have another power that would offer support. Protecting Austria-Hungary was essential for
maintaining the strength of the German Empire through the last friendly relationship that existed
(Ward World War One Origins). The empire was strong, but it would have taken a great deal of
