The Responsible One for World War One
There are many different opinions and beliefs on who or what was to
blame for the First World War. The historian Fritz Fisher had a very
strong and controversial answer to whom he believed was responsible
for the First World War.
Fisher has produced two books in which he details Germany's planning's
and aspirations for War. One of Fishers main arguments was that
Germany was seeking to expand her empire. As a relatively new country
Fisher believed that Germany felt behind with her empire and by
invading countries such as France and Poland she would also gain
colonies and territory overseas.
Fishers' beliefs were very unsettling to the people of his homeland
Germany. Most German citizens saw themselves as victims of a harsh
treaty and for one of their people to come to the verdict that Germany
was to blame for the First World War was looked upon with shock and
horror.
One of Fritz Fisher's main arguments was that the German government
under the Kaiser's reign deemed a War inevitable since 1911 and
therefore prepared for War and took the first opportunity to start it.
Another belief was that the German government precipitated a growth of
the Austrian and Serbia crisis in order to launch what they believed
to be a defensive strike against Russia and France. One of his other
main accusations was that German aims for expansion existed over a
long period of time, leading right up to the Second World War. He
believed Germany longed for an eastern empire and predominance over
Belgium and France.
Fritz Fisher had substantial evidence to back up his beliefs. His main
evidence was the 'blank cheque' - when Germany supported Austria after
they sent an ultimatum to Serbia which drew Germany into the First
World War. This agreement almost guaranteed a War with Russia, which
Fisher believed was hoped for. If War did not come about then Germany
would at least have hoped to weaken the Entente and win a moral
There are many different opinions and beliefs on who or what was to
blame for the First World War. The historian Fritz Fisher had a very
strong and controversial answer to whom he believed was responsible
for the First World War.
Fisher has produced two books in which he details Germany's planning's
and aspirations for War. One of Fishers main arguments was that
Germany was seeking to expand her empire. As a relatively new country
Fisher believed that Germany felt behind with her empire and by
invading countries such as France and Poland she would also gain
colonies and territory overseas.
Fishers' beliefs were very unsettling to the people of his homeland
Germany. Most German citizens saw themselves as victims of a harsh
treaty and for one of their people to come to the verdict that Germany
was to blame for the First World War was looked upon with shock and
horror.
One of Fritz Fisher's main arguments was that the German government
under the Kaiser's reign deemed a War inevitable since 1911 and
therefore prepared for War and took the first opportunity to start it.
Another belief was that the German government precipitated a growth of
the Austrian and Serbia crisis in order to launch what they believed
to be a defensive strike against Russia and France. One of his other
main accusations was that German aims for expansion existed over a
long period of time, leading right up to the Second World War. He
believed Germany longed for an eastern empire and predominance over
Belgium and France.
Fritz Fisher had substantial evidence to back up his beliefs. His main
evidence was the 'blank cheque' - when Germany supported Austria after
they sent an ultimatum to Serbia which drew Germany into the First
World War. This agreement almost guaranteed a War with Russia, which
Fisher believed was hoped for. If War did not come about then Germany
would at least have hoped to weaken the Entente and win a moral