The Origins of the First World War The study of diplomatic history has led to many different theories on the origins of the First World War. Each historian focuses on different aspects of the events preceding the war. In viewing them from a different time periods, many come to radically different conclusions. For example, the theory of German responsibility proposed directly after the war was soon revised with the release of various diplomatic documents. Many historians then went so far as to place primary responsibility on France and Russia. However, following the Second World War many historians again stressed German responsibility. The complexity of the events surrounding WWI allows for much interpretation and speculation, making a definitive theory virtually impossible. However, the study of contradicting theories allows for some insight into the causes of WWI. Barnes The concept of war guilt was formulated directly after the First World War as justification for indemnities demanded primarily from Germany. However, Barnes believed that the initial provocation for the war was created by the secret alliance between Russia, France, and Serbia, surmised that the majority of the war guilt could be assigned to them. Since 1870, European politics had been characterized by secret alliances and rivalling military and imperial expansion. These elements combined created an environment inclined to war, but do not justify its outbreak in 1914. Previously, all the military alliances in Europe had been passive, defensive agreements. However, in 1912, the Franco-Russian alliance was altered to become an offensive treaty, through whi... ... middle of paper ... ...f power, Taylor believes its breakdown was a partial cause of the war, while Schmitt argues that attempts to maintain it was the cause. Fay and Seaman hold contrasting beliefs about responsibility within the Triple Alliance, but Fay maintains Austrian responsibility and independence from German control and Seaman blames Germany for its own, and Austria’s involvement. Taylor and Seaman agree that Germany entered the war with no decisive war aims, but disagree on Germany’s level of responsibility. Taylor and Barnes contradict each other entirely, Taylor maintaining the original theory of German responsibility, and Barnes placing primary responsibility on France, Russia, and Serbia. Through studying these contradicting theories, one can obtain a clearer, more complete picture of the possible causes of the First World War.