Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Tuchman mean when she says, 'On history's clock it was sunset'?
What does Tuchman mean when she says, 'On history's clock it was sunset'?
The older period of history was ending and a new era was coming that would bring great change.
Why did William hate Edward?
Why did William hate Edward?
He disagreed with Edward's idea for diplomacy with France instead of Germany, was unable to control him, did not like his pride, and thought he was an evil planner who would ruin Britain.
What was signed in April 1904?
What was signed in April 1904?
The Anglo-French Entente.
What had Bismarck warned Germany?
What had Bismarck warned Germany?
What did the Kaiser think the navy would do for him?
What did the Kaiser think the navy would do for him?
How did the French feel about the Germans?
How did the French feel about the Germans?
What was signed in 1907?
What was signed in 1907?
What was the worst blunder of William's reign?
What was the worst blunder of William's reign?
What was the thesis of the Great Illusion?
What was the thesis of the Great Illusion?
Explain Bernhardi's point of view on war.
Explain Bernhardi's point of view on war.
What clues to Schlieffen's character does Tuchman present?
What clues to Schlieffen's character does Tuchman present?
What were the problems associated with attacking France through Belgium?
What were the problems associated with attacking France through Belgium?
Why did Schlieffen think he had to attack first?
Why did Schlieffen think he had to attack first?
What was the thinking on long war versus short war?
What was the thinking on long war versus short war?
In what respect were the Germans wrong in their expectations of France?
In what respect were the Germans wrong in their expectations of France?
What did the Germans have in mind about Belgian resistance?
What did the Germans have in mind about Belgian resistance?
How did Moltke differ from Schlieffen?
How did Moltke differ from Schlieffen?
What humiliations had the French suffered at German hands at Versailles?
What humiliations had the French suffered at German hands at Versailles?
How did the Germans treat Alsace-Lorraine after they annexed it?
How did the Germans treat Alsace-Lorraine after they annexed it?
What was the German feeling toward France?
What was the German feeling toward France?
Explain Plan 17. What was the weakness of the plan?
Explain Plan 17. What was the weakness of the plan?
How did geography play into the weakness of Plan 17?
How did geography play into the weakness of Plan 17?
Why was General Michel's plan disregarded?
Why was General Michel's plan disregarded?
Who was Messimy and what was his reaction?
Who was Messimy and what was his reaction?
Why was the color of army pants controversial?
Why was the color of army pants controversial?
Who was the man whose head was swathed in bandages?
Who was the man whose head was swathed in bandages?
Why were nerves stretched tight in 1905?
Why were nerves stretched tight in 1905?
In Anglo-French negotiations, what did the British indicate they would do in case of a German invasion of Belgium?
In Anglo-French negotiations, what did the British indicate they would do in case of a German invasion of Belgium?
Describe John Fisher's plan.
Describe John Fisher's plan.
What did Wilson layout for the 'ignorant men' at the Imperial Defense Committee meeting?
What did Wilson layout for the 'ignorant men' at the Imperial Defense Committee meeting?
Why was Haldane sent to Berlin and what was the outcome?
Why was Haldane sent to Berlin and what was the outcome?
What was the split in the British cabinet?
What was the split in the British cabinet?
Why was Russian invincibility a myth?
Why was Russian invincibility a myth?
Explain the significance of M-15.
Explain the significance of M-15.
What did the Russians agree to do in case of war?
What did the Russians agree to do in case of war?
What were the practical problems with Russian promises to France?
What were the practical problems with Russian promises to France?
What were the problems for Russian mobilization?
What were the problems for Russian mobilization?
Describe Russian officers.
Describe Russian officers.
What is Tuchman's opinion of the Czar?
What is Tuchman's opinion of the Czar?
Where did Russia's natural sympathies lie?
Where did Russia's natural sympathies lie?
Study Notes
Historical Context
- "On history's clock it was sunset" signifies the end of one historical era and the impending transformation that would lead to significant changes.
- The end of the older period foreshadows geopolitical shifts, especially in Europe leading to World War I.
Diplomatic Relations
- William's disdain for Edward stemmed from his ideological clash over diplomacy, with Edward favoring alignment with France rather than Germany.
- The Anglo-French Entente was signed in April 1904, marking a British alliance with France against Germany, in line with Edward's diplomatic preferences.
- The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 was influenced by France to foster peace among strong allies; Edward sought friendship with Russia's Czar.
Strategic Blunders
- Bismarck’s warning urged Germany to avoid territorial expansion without clear goals, a caution that went unheeded.
- The worst mistake of William’s reign was abandoning the Reinsurance Treaty, which severed ties with Russia, leading them to align with France.
Perceptions of War
- The thesis of the Great Illusion argued that war was unprofitable and detrimental to nations regardless of the outcome; nations faced inevitable losses.
- Bernhardi believed war was essential for a nation’s survival, justifying aggressive military actions.
Military Strategies and Plans
- Schlieffen was characterized as humble and strategic but lacked thorough planning, notably his controversial decision to invade Belgium.
- Schlieffen's reasoning for a first strike was based on the belief that surprise was crucial for success against the French.
- The Germans misjudged French strategies, expecting aggression towards Belgium that didn't occur due to the French prioritizing a defensive stance.
Challenges and Conflicts
- Attacking France through Belgium risked international condemnation since Belgium was neutral, stirring potential backlash from other nations.
- The debate over "long war versus short war" depicted a German assumption of quick victory, contrasting with Moltke's belief in the necessity of preparation for prolonged conflict.
French Military Actions
- The Plan 17 aimed for an aggressive French offense but was criticized for lacking essential logistics and firepower considerations.
- The geography of France played to Germany's advantage, as Belgium’s neutrality made direct assaults easier for Germany.
Internal Politics and Discussions
- The French military leadership faced discord, particularly with General Michel’s defensive plan, which was dismissed.
- Messimy viewed Michel's defensive approach as impractical, leading to his dismissal.
- Controversy arose over the color of military uniforms, with red being debated for its visibility and potential impact on troop morale.
International Relations
- John Fisher proposed a naval attack on Germany rather than a land-based operation with the French army, eyeing East Prussia as a target.
- Tensions escalated in 1905 due to perceived Russian weaknesses following a defeat by Japan, heightening fears of a German threat to France.
Russian Challenges
- Russia's military effectiveness was questioned, depicted as a myth of invincibility due to logistical issues and poor infrastructure.
- Russian officers were criticized for lacking competence and motivation, with their appointments based on favoritism rather than merit.
Conclusions on Russian Sentiments
- The Czar was viewed unfavorably, seen as disinterested and lacking understanding of military strategy.
- Russia’s sympathies were more aligned with Germany historically, owing to shared interests in autocratic governance as per the Drei-Kaiser Bund.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the diplomatic tensions in Europe that contributed to World War I. This quiz covers key events such as the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Convention, as well as insights into the strategic blunders made by leaders like Bismarck and William. Test your knowledge on how these factors influenced the geopolitical landscape of the era.
