Unit 2:

Controversy

To what extent was Germany

responsible for the outbreak
of the First World War?
 Outline
The outbreak of WWI in August 1914 was not
unexpected. Diplomatic tension between the
Central Powers (Germany & Ausro-Hungary)
and the Entente Powers of Russia, France &
Britain had been rising for a number of years.
In the first part of the unit we will be looking at
German foreign policy up to 1914.
In the second we will look at the extent of
Germany’s guilt.
 Key Questions
• What were the most signifficant events in the run
up to war in 1914?
• To what extent can Germany be blamed for the
outbreak of war in 1914?
• Why has responsibility for the outbreak of the
First World War generated so much controversy?
 Starter

Who was responsible for WWI?

Explain your reasons for your

judgement in not more than 100
words.
 Learning Objectives:
Assess the contribution of Germany in
causing the First World War

Success Criteria:
To decide whether allainces were the
major reason for tension during this
period and whether they directly
contributed to the start of WWI.
 Key Terms
Revanche – The idea that one day France would gain
revenge for the events of the early 1870’s

Dreikaiserbund – The organisation of the 3 Emperors

A Place in the Sun – A term describing the desire to

have the same number of colonies as Britain and
France

Sphere of Influence – An area in which one nation

has control over another or others
German Foreign Policy c.1900
-1914
Read through the following information &
then answer the the 3 questions below.
Each answer should be of roughly 350
words in length.

1.Did the alliance system make war more

or less likely?
2.What factors turned Britain & Germany
into rivals?
3.How did Morocco and Weltpolitik affect
international tensions.
 Plenary
Storyboard what you have
learned today