The Treaty of Versailles, signed at the Paris Peace Conference by the victorious nations, stated that Germany and its allies were primarily responsible for the initiation of World War I. In light of their decision, I believe that the major representatives made a fair and just verdict. Germany seemed to continually push the buttons of the other countries. I feel that Germanys hostility and disrespect of the other countries is one of the major reasons that the war was actually started. I also feel that the treatys decision to make Germany responsible for the reparations of the other countries was very suitable.Germany and its allies displayed quite a bit of hostility right from the beginning. A particular German ally, Austria-Hungary, was technically the first country who declared war. Austria-Hungary had been involved in a disagreement with Serbia over the annexation of two smaller countries. One of these smaller countries, Bosnia, happened to be mostly populated by ethnic Serbs. The Serbs wanted to be united as one nation, much like other ethnic groups in Europe. Serbia challenged this annexation, and called upon Russia for support. Germany decided to get involved, and basically told Russia to recognize the annexation and turn the other way. (The Twentieth Century: A Brief Global History, p.99) I believe this is a prime example of how forcefully aggressive Germany was. Germanys involvement might have been expected due to their alliance with Austria-Hungary. However, it had to be their hostility and thirst for control that drove them to persuade Russia so much in their favor. Another good example of Germanys aggression that points to their responsibility for causing WWI, is their war plans. Germany had developed a plan of how to be victorious against Russia and France if they should ever be at war with each other. Germanys disrespect for other countries, and especially their disregard of a neutral country, was adequately shown in this...
