History of Germany: World War I – World War II

From Rise to Ruin: The Total History of Germany’s Collapse.

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe renowned for its rich history, cultural contributions, and economic prowess. With a population of over 83 million, it is the most populous country in the European Union.

The immediate trigger for World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand. This event set off a chain reaction due to the complex web of alliances and nationalistic tensions in Europe at the time.

Germany played a crucial role in the escalation because of its support for Austria-Hungary. Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary, feeling emboldened by Germany’s assurance of support (often referred to as the “blank cheque”), issued an ultimatum to Serbia that was designed to be unacceptable, leading to the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Here, the “land grab” aspect comes into play indirectly through Austria-Hungary’s desire to assert control over Serbia, which had territorial ambitions in the Balkans, an area where multiple empires had interests and where nationalism was stirring unrest.

Germany’s own ambitions and military planning also contributed to the war’s expansion. Germany had developed the Schlieffen Plan, which anticipated a two-front war against France and Russia. This plan involved a rapid invasion of neutral Belgium to quickly defeat France before turning to face Russia. Germany’s decision to invade Belgium on August 4, 1914, prompted Britain to declare war on Germany, as Britain was committed to defending Belgian neutrality.

World War I, Makes World War II

The connection between World War I and World War II is complex but fundamentally rooted in the aftermath and consequences of the First World War, with Germany’s role being pivotal after supporting Austria when Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed. Here’s how the events unfolded:

The seeds of World War II were sown in the aftermath of World War I, with Germany playing a pivotal role. The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the war, pay reparations, disarm, and cede territories, left the country economically devastated and politically unstable, fostering deep-seated resentment. This economic hardship, exacerbated by the Great Depression, set the stage for Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1933, who capitalized on nationalistic sentiments and promised to reverse the Treaty’s injustices. Hitler’s policies of rearmament and territorial expansion directly violated the Treaty, leading to actions like the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the Anschluss with Austria, and the annexation of the Sudetenland. The policy of appeasement by Britain and France, while aimed at avoiding another war, allowed Hitler to expand without significant opposition. However, when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, after securing a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, it triggered declarations of war by Britain and France, marking the start of World War II. Moreover, the First World War left unresolved nationalist tensions and ideological conflicts, which, combined with the spread of fascism, communism, and extreme nationalism, created the conditions for another global conflict. Thus, while not a direct continuation of a land grab from WWI, the economic, political, and ideological turmoil in Germany and Europe directly contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

Modern Day:

Today, Germany has played a pivotal role in European history, from the Holy Roman Empire to the devastating division during the Cold War into East and West Germany, and its subsequent reunification in 1990. Today, Germany is celebrated for its engineering and technological innovations, with cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg serving as cultural and economic hubs. It is the birthplace of philosophers, poets, and composers such as Kant, Goethe, and Bach, and it leads in sectors like automotive manufacturing, machinery, and renewable energy. Germany’s commitment to environmental sustainability, social welfare, and a strong democratic system has made it a leading force in global affairs.

A Hitler Documentary

Adolf Hitler, born in Austria in 1889, was a central figure in 20th-century history, infamous for his leadership of Nazi Germany during World War II. His early life was marked by ambition and failure; he aspired to be an artist but was rejected from art school. This rejection, coupled with his experiences in Vienna where he absorbed anti-Semitic and nationalist ideologies, shaped his worldview.