by John Buchan 1875-1940

The Causes of the Great War

John Buchan, who was as close as anyone to the events, gave his assessment of how all Europe was plunged into war in 1914.

1914-1918

King George V 1910-1936

Introduction

The Great War of 1914-18 was triggered by the assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand. But as John Buchan explains here, the war had been coming for some time. Germany was ambitious for empire, and that meant taking empire from her neighbours. She was also anxious, sensing military threats and economic competitors on all sides. Her wisdom was to strike first, hoping that if she did she would not have to strike again.

by John Buchan 1875-1940

It is never easy to fix upon one cause as the origin of a great war, and the war of 1914 was the outcome of several causes combined. For twenty years there had been growing up in Europe a sense of insecurity; the great Powers had become restless and suspicious of one another, and one Power, Germany, was seriously considering the possibility of some bold stroke which would put her beyond the reach of rivalry.* Germany, since her victory over France in 1870, had become a very great and rich nation; she had spread her commerce over the world; and she was anxious to create an empire akin to those of Britain and France. But she began the task too late in the day; she could succeed only at the expense of her neighbours. The ambition of Germany was, therefore, one perpetual source of danger.

Another danger was her nervousness, which frequently accompanies ambition. There was an alliance between France and Russia, and a growing friendliness between Britain and France, and Germany feared that her rivals were combining to hem her in and put a stop to what she considered her natural development.

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* Buchan explored this point — the curious willingness of much of Europe to let Germany act as a European hegemon — in a further extract, False Unity.

Précis

Looking back at the Great War of 1914-18, John Buchan admitted that identifying the causes was not easy. However, he picked up on two words: ambition and nervousness. Germany was ambitious for empire, even though it meant stealing it from other imperial powers; and she was nervous of France, of Russia, and of Britain’s growing friendship with both.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Why were Germany’s hopes of Empire so fraught with danger in Europe?

Suggestion

Because they coveted their neighbours’ prize colonies.

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