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.
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.
* 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. (58 / 60 words)
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.
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Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, if, just, or, since, until, whereas, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
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. (7 words)
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.