Reasons for Entry into World War I
“The German Declaration of War on Russia” by the German Ambassador to St. Petersburg. Germany declared war against Russia following the complex alliance system that allowed nations to defend countries at war, as such conflicts were believed to escalate, threatening the bordering countries. The war was declared when Kaiser Wilhelm II, the leader of the Central Powers, was the German leader. The German government was working to address the crisis associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Reasons for Entry into World War I.
The Russian Emperor had expressed his interest in intervening through the German Emperor, but prior to responding to him, Russia mobilized its forces on land and sea, portraying that Russia was against Germany (WWI Document Archive, “The German Declaration of War on Russia”). The military acts threatened the safety and existence of the German government, prompting Wilhelm II to write back to the Russian Emperor, accepting that his country was at war with Russia.
“Abandonment of Paris” by Gallieni, the Commandant of the Army of Paris. Joseph Gallieni, under the Allied Powers, wrote to Paris invaders informing them about their decision to relocate from Paris following the battles between their troops and those of their rivals in the war. The writer expressed the pressure of external forces and the painful decision that the government had made. Gallieni expressed a need to withdraw their public powers to safeguard national welfare and promote continued governance.
He also conveyed the obligation of their army to fight for peace and the protection of the rights of its patriotic population. Gallieni stated the government’s decision to leave Paris, leaving its forces with the mandate to fight and defend the country for its independence. Suffering and sacrifice are paramount to a nation’s victory (WWI Document Archive, “Abandonment of Paris”).
The Commandant advocated for the people of France to cultivate their willingness and endurance through tragic experiences for the sake of national welfare. The government of Paris conformed to the demands of the military authorities to relocate to a more secure place to serve its population entirely.
The German-Russian war was a result of the existing system of alliances. Countries were allowed to enter into war following the anticipated threats of a conflict between bordering countries. Treaties and alliances tend to worsen the outcomes of wars rather than promote protection, as they illustrate.
The Russian initiative to mobilize its military forces to protect its nation escalated the war, destroying relations between Russia and Germany. If Russia needed to protect its territory from the effects of the conflict between Germany and Serbia, it could have offered effective strategies to the countries, such as negotiation to settle the dispute.
On the other hand, the France-Germany war was a fight for nationalism. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was a catalyst for France’s joining the battle. Once Germany declared war against Russia, France was inspired to support Russia against its allies. However, the primary goal was to reclaim the territory lost to Germany in the Franco-Prussian War (Howard).
Nevertheless, war is not the ultimate tool to demand territory. Battles accelerate destruction and loss of life. Mediation, where a third party is involved to guide negotiations, could propel an effective decision-making process that steers the parties toward finding a solution.
Any dispute cannot be addressed using conflicting strategies. Rival parties should implement peacekeeping strategies for effective communication and reaching a consensus.
Works Cited
Howard, Michael. The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France 1870–1871. Routledge, 2013.
WWI Document Archive. “Abandonment of Paris.” WWI Document Archive, 30 June 2009, wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Abandonment_of_Paris.
—. “The German Declaration of War on Russia.” WWI Document Archive, 28 May 2009, wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/The_German_Declaration_of_War_on_Russia.
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Question 
Use the World War I Document Archive to find a speech or opinion piece from at least one leader of both the Allied and Central powers (two leaders total) explaining the reasons for their country’s entrance into WWI.
- Identify the documents and their author.
- Explain each leader’s argument as detailed in the source you have selected.
- Based upon your readings what argument(s) could have been made to refute each leader’s justification for war? Cite specifics in support of your argument.
Reasons for Entry into World War I