CAMBRIDGE AS HISTORY: THE ORIGINS OF WORLD WAR 1. ULTRA REVISION: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

1. CAMBRIDGEASHISTORY
ULTRAREVISION
THEORIGINSOFTHE
FIRSTWORLDWAR
QUESTIONSANDANSWERS

2. QUESTION1PAG135
Germany said that it never wished to replace British world power. Do
you think that is true? Explain your answer.

3. QUESTION1PAG115
Bismarck’s priority had been to ensure Germany’s security by arranging a
series of defensive alliances and avoiding potential rivalry with Britain
(e.g. by not seeking overseas possessions). Kaiser Wilhelm II had adopted
a more aggressive and nationalistic approach, with the main aim of
increasing German power and prestige. Whether the Kaiser intended to
challenge Britain is a debatable point. It could be argued that his policies
(e.g. naval development, overseas expansion) inevitably brought
Germany into conflict with Britain. However, it could also be argued that
such conflict was not inevitable – in seeking overseas possessions,
Germany was merely doing what Britain had already done; he could
justify naval expansion by stressing the need to defend the growing
German Empire and its coastline. There was no reason to believe that
supporting Austria-Hungary in the Balkans would lead to conflict with
Britain (which had no interest in the region). (see pages 108–34)

4. QUESTION2PAG135
Was Austria-Hungary or Russia more responsible for the failure to
reach a peaceful resolution over the Balkan Crisis of 1914?

5. QUESTION2PAG135
The question requires a judgement to be made, and the development
of a balanced argument supported by factual evidence. Austria-
Hungary had long wished to crush the growing power of Serbia, which
posed the threat of a dangerous rise of nationalism within the
Habsburg Empire. Its decision to arrange a state visit to Sarajevo was
provocative. The assassination provided the perfect excuse to crush
Serbia once and for all. However, it is unlikely that Austria-Hungary
would have taken action without the certain knowledge that it had the
full support of Germany. Russia also wanted to extend its power and
influence in the Balkan region, using its Slavic connections as an excuse.
It could be argued that, in backing down during previous crises, Russia
had led Austria-Hungary to believe that it would not come to the
support of Serbia in 1914. (see pages 123–34)

6. QUESTION3PAG135
Did the alliance system do more to safeguard or to threaten peace
before 1914?

7. QUESTION3PAG135
In terms of threatening peace, it could be argued that:
• the alliances caused uncertainty, fear and tension in Europe
• there was an arms race between the two alliances, leading to the existence
of two well-armed rival camps
• German leaders were convinced that the Triple Entente was an attempt to
encircle and attack Germany
• Germany devised the Schlieffen Plan because it feared the intentions of the
Triple Entente
• France helped Russia to increase its military strength and its speed of
mobilisation
• Austria-Hungary would not have declared war on Serbia without the
certain knowledge that Germany would support it
• the opposing sides in the First World War largely mirrored the two
alliances.

8. QUESTION3PAG135
In terms of safeguarding peace, it could be argued that:
• both alliances were based on vague treaties of friendship; they did not
compel countries to support each other in war (e.g. France did not help
Russia in the Russo–Japanese War; Italy, though a member of the Triple
Alliance, entered the First World War in 1915 against Germany)
• between 1907 and 1914, the alliances helped to maintain peace,
preventing incidents escalating into war (e.g. Britain’s threat to support
France over the Moroccan crisis in 1911, forcing Germany to back down)
• although Germany supported Austria-Hungary in its war against Serbia in
1914, it had not done so in 1913
• the European powers went to war in 1914 to protect their own interests,
not because of the alliance system
• Britain declared war on Germany because of the attack on Belgium, not
because of its commitments to the Triple Entente. (see pages 108–34)

9. QUESTION4PAG135
France pursued warlike policies from 1900 to 1914. How far do you
agree with this statement?

10. QUESTION4PAG135
In support of the statement, it could be argued that France wanted
revenge for its humiliating and costly defeat to Germany in 1871. It was
because he feared this French desire for revenge that Bismarck formed
his alliances. Despite their political differences, France was keen to
establish an agreement with Russia. When this alliance was formed in
1894, it posed a major threat to Germany, which now faced potential
enemies in both east and west.
In 1904, France agreed the Entente Cordiale with Britain, its traditional
enemy. This posed a further threat to Germany. In 1913, France
extended the period of compulsory military service from two to three
years. French imperialism in Africa – especially Morocco – also
demonstrated France’s growing military power.

11. QUESTION4PAG135
In challenging the statement, it could be argued that France was fearful
of Germany throughout the period and that its main interest was
avoiding becoming isolated. Its close relations with Russia and, later,
Britain, had more to do with its need for security than any warlike
ambitions.
France felt threatened by the Triple Alliance and feared Germany’s
growing economic and military strength. This fear led France to
increase the size of its army. (see pages 108–34)