HIST150 JU Berlin and Saint Petersburg on the Eve of WWI Essay

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HIST150

Jacksonville University

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Review the telegrams under “Opposing Viewpoints” titled “Communications Between Berlin and Saint Petersburg on the Eve of World War II.” Based on these documents, what was the chief issue that led to the outbreak of war? Was Emperor William II correct when he told Tsar Nicholas II that the latter would “have to bear the responsibility for war or peace”? What do these telegrams suggest about why wars happen?

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OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS "you have to bear the responsibility for war or peace" After Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914,  Russian support of Serbia and German support of Austria threatened to escalate the conflict in the Balkans into a wider war.

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OPPOSING < VIEWPOINTS "You Have to bear the Responsibility for War or Peace" After Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, Russian support of Serbia and German support of Austria threatened to escalate the conflict in the Balkans into a wider war. As we can see in these last-minute telegrams between the Russians and Germans (known as the "Willy-Nicky letters”), the rigidity of the military war plans on both sides made it difficult to avoid a confrontation once the process got under way. Communications Between Berlin and Saint Petersburg on the Eve of World War I Emperor William II to Tsar Nicholas II, July 28, 10:45 P.M. I have heard with the greatest anxiety of the impression which is caused by the action of Austria-Hungary against Servia (Serbia). The inscrupulous agitation which has been going on for years in Servia has led to the revolting crime of which Archduke Franz Ferdinand has become a victim. . . Doubtless You will agree with me that both of us, You as well as I, and all other sovereigns, have a common interest to insist that all those who are responsible for this horrible murder shall suffer their deserved punishment. Your most sincere and devoted friend and cousin (Signed) WILHELM Government and Vienna, an understanding which—as I have already telegraphed You—my Government endeavors to aid with all possible effort. Naturally military measures by Russia, which might be construed as a menace by Austria-Hungary, would accelerate a calamity which both of us desire to avoid and would undermine my position as mediator which—upon Your appeal to my friendship and aid—I willingly accepted. (Signed) WILHELM Emperor William II to Tsar Nicholas II, July 30, 1 A.M. My Ambassador has instructions to direct the attention of Your Government to the dangers and serious consequences of a mobilization. I have told you the same in my last telegram. Austria-Hungary has mobilized only against Servia, and only a part of her army. If Russia, as seems to be the case, according to your advice and that of Your Government, mobilizes against Austria-Hungary, the part of the mediator with which You have entrusted me in such friendly manner and which I have accepted upon Your express desire, is threatened if not made impossible. The entire weight of decision now rests upon Your shoulders; You have to bear the responsibility for war or peace. (Signed) WILHELM Tsar Nicholas II to Emperor William II, July 29, 1 P.M. I am glad that you are back in Germany. In this serious moment I ask You earnestly to help me. An ignominious war has been declared against a weak country and in Russia the indignation which I fully share is tremendous. I fear that very soon I shall be unable to resist the pressure exercised upon me and that I shall be forced to take measures which will lead to war. To prevent a calamity as a European war would be, I urge You in the name of our old friendship to do all in Your power to restrain Your ally from going too far. (Signed) NICOLAS German Chancellor to German Ambassador at Saint Petersburg, July 31, URGENT In spite of negotiations still pending and although we have up to this hour made no preparations for mobilization, Russia has mobilized her entire army and navy, hence also against us. On account of these Russian measures, we have been forced, for the safety of the country, to proclaim the threatening state of war, which does not yet imply mobilization. Mobilization, however, is bound to follow if Russia does not stop every measure of war against us and against Austria-Hungary within 12 hours, and notifies us definitely to this effect. Please to communicate this at once to M. Sazonoff and wire hour of communication. Emperor William II to Tsar Nicholas II, July 29, 6:30 P.M. I have received Your telegram and I share Your desire for the conservation of peace. However: I cannot-as I told you in my first telegram consider the action of Austria-Hungary as an “ignominious war.” Austria-Hungary knows from experience that the promises of Servia as long as they are merely on paper are entirely unreliable. . . . I believe that a direct understanding is possible and desirable between Your Based on these telegrams, what was the chief issue that led to the outbreak of war? Was Emperor William II correct when he told Tsar Nicholas II that the latter would "have to bear the responsibility for war or peace"? SOURCE: The Western World: From 1700, Vol. II, by W. E. Adams, R. B. Barlow, G. R. Kleinfeld, and R. D. Smith (Dodd, Mead, and Co., 1968), pp. 421-442.
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Running head: THE CHIEF CAUSE OF WORLD WAR I

The Chief Cause of World War I
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Institution

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THE CHIEF CAUSE OF WORLD WAR I

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The chief cause of World War I
In 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia in a move that could ultimately lead to World
War I. As was common with nations when their allies were under threat, Germany expressed
support for Austria while Russia expressed its interest for Serbia. Before the war broke,
however, a series of last-minute telegrams were exchanged between Germany and Russia. In
one of these telegrams, Germany told Russia that it would “have to bear the responsibility for
war or peace” based on its stand on the crisis. Also known as the “Willy-Nicky letters,” these
telegrams reveal more details int...


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