The question of Germany’s responsibility for causing the two World Wars is a complex and contentious issue that has been debated by historians for decades. Assessing the extent of Germany’s culpability involves an examination of various political, economic, and social factors leading up to each conflict. In the aftermath of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, fueling resentment and economic hardships within the country. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s further escalated tensions, as aggressive territorial expansion and militarization became integral components of German foreign policy. While Germany’s actions undoubtedly played a significant role in triggering both conflicts, it is essential to critically analyze the broader geopolitical context and the contributions of other nations. Factors such as the failure of the League of Nations, diplomatic miscalculations, and the impact of global economic instability must also be considered. This essay will critically discuss the extent to which Germany can be held responsible for causing the two World Wars, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of these historical events and the interconnected roles played by various nations.
Tag: History of World.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to start with a brief introduction to Germany and the two world wars.
- In Body, discuss the responsibility of Germany in causing two world wars.
- Concluding with the notion Germany only cannot be blamed, it is a collective failure.
Answer:
World War I and World War II are the most brutal and destructive wars the world has faced in all of its histories. Several countries were involved and its effects were felt throughout the world.
Putting fingers on Germany alone for launching the world wars would be unfair, as the allied powers were equally to be condemned for opening the door for the infamous war to occur in the first place, which has its roots in colonial and imperialist interests. However, for most of it, Germany could be held more responsible.
Germany and WW I:
- The main causes of World War I include the forming of alliances, imperialism, militarism, and nationalism. In each of these long-term causes, Germany played a significant role.
- After the end of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871, Germany became unified It quickly became the strongest industrial power in Europe, which shifted the balance of power and made many surrounding countries nervous.
- Due to this tension, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany decided to form alliances to protect Germany and avoid a two-front war. After several failing alliances, the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, was formed in 1882.
- In 1907, as a result of Germany challenging Britain’s naval supremacy, the Triple Entente was formed, which consisted of Britain, France, and Russia.
- The emergence of alliances was a significant cause of World War I because it divided European powers, making them rivals, and forced countries to get involved in war if one of its allies got involved in war, which could turn a small war into a great one.
- In 1890, Wilhelm II of Germany adopted the foreign policy of Weltpolitik to fulfill Germany’s colonial aspirations and create an overseas empire. This imperialist policy had a great impact on Germany’s relations with other countries and brought Germany into conflict with Britain because of colonial conflicts. This increased tension in Europe even more.
- In 1897, Germany began building new boats in an attempt to challenge Britain’s naval supremacy, which led to the Naval Arms Race. This resulted in the countries following a policy of Britain and Germany both greatly increasing their navies, which created even more tension between the countries.
- Finally, nationalism in Europe also led to the war because it created competition between countries that wanted to prove they were the best and the most powerful.
- This is especially true of Germany, which wanted to become the greatest colonial power and wanted to be better than Britain in all possible aspects.
Germany and WWII:
- Germany was defeated in World War I and was compelled to pay heavy reparations to the victors. Its economy could not take the pressure, and it fell apart.
- As a result of the Treaty of Versailles and the economic disasters that followed, the German people became extremely resentful towards the victors of World War I, particularly France and Great Britain.
- Therefore, Germany began the fight against them in place of conquering Europe and gaining the pride back.
- Later Hitler opposed the Versailles and Locarno treaties by remilitarizing the Rhineland. He faced little opposition from other European powers. Germany and Italy together formed the Rome-Berlin Axis.
- After that Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact which Italy joined in the following year. This all led to World War II.
- Since Germany faced no opposition, it began to demand more and more of the other European countries until they realized that Germany would never be satisfied.
- It was Germany’s recurring demands that eventually forced Britain and France to declare war and caused the outbreak of the Second World War.
Other factors:
- The main long-term cause of World War II was Germany’s resentment of the Treaty of Versailles and its desire for Lebensraum, or “living space. ”
- The Treaty of Versailles was created after World War I and greatly affected Germany, forcing it to take full responsibility for the war, pay reparations to the Allied Powers, give up much of its territory, and limit its military. Germans regarded this treaty as too harsh and unfair, and they were determined to overthrow it.
- However, it can also be argued that Britain and France should bear some responsibility for causing World War II, not just Germany. This is mainly because they failed to stop Germany at the beginning when they still had the chance.
- Instead, they decided to follow a policy of appeasement and let Germany get away with everything it wanted without any kind of opposition to try to prevent war.
- As a result, Germany gained confidence and dared to do things it would have otherwise not dared to do, such as remilitarizing the Rhineland.
- Thus, other European nations should also be held responsible for causing World War II because of their inability to control Germany.
Both world wars were caused by several different factors and they involved the participation of many. Several arguments exist about who should be held responsible for the wars. However, the contribution of Germany to both of them serves as clear evidence that Germany should be the main country blamed for it. Germany’s prominent involvement in the long-term causes of World War I and World War II proves that Germany should, to a great extent, be held responsible for causing both conflicts.
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