The Fall of Germany

Nik Weiss

The Fall of the Seemingly Mighty German Empire

Some might say that there is one key reason for Germany’s defeat in World War I. They say that it was the lack of foresight, or the success of British propaganda, and they are not wrong, yet they are not completely right either. The truth is that Germany’s defeat can only attributed to the combination of these reasons, and many others. It was neither the lack of foresight nor the success of British propaganda; it was the lack of foresight and with the success of British propaganda combined with several other key issues. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

One of the reasons Germany loses World War I is because of the effectiveness of British propaganda throughout the world. On the outset of the 20^th century both Germany and Britain vied for the support of nations and empires throughout the world. Both spread propaganda in order to accomplish their goals, yet Germany’s efforts were not enough. When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain successfully turned this passing through a neutral country into an international crisis. They referred to it as “Poor Little Belgium” and managed to conquer public opinion throughout the world. This scared off Germany’s potential allies, and turned them all to the Allies’ side. Germany’s propaganda might have been successful before the invasion of Belgium, but it simply couldn’t cover for that mistake.

Another key cause for Germany’s defeat is the way the Allies managed to unite against Germany, while Germany and her allies fought separately. British and French troops along the western front were placed under the united command of French General Foch. His direct subordinate was British general Haig. Together these two managed two make two empires’ armies work in together in perfect harmony. Germany on the other hand was by itself in its push towards Paris and received no support from her allies due to limited cooperation between them. Had Germany received Austro-Hungarian support and placed all troops under German or Austro-Hungarian command, she might have succeeded in taking Paris, but the allies did manage to stop Germany due to their great teamwork and Germany’s lack of it.

An additional issue that damaged Germany greatly was her lack of a national tax system. Britain had already developed a strong tax system many years before the war, yet Germany had none in place at all. Germany’s system was based on nationalism, and those in command merely expected the people to contribute all they could to the war effort. This had two major problems. The people did not know exactly what to give their money to, and this caused a great deal of confusion. The other issue was that Germany did not have a government office in charge of controlling what companies produced for the war effort. Companies would just continually crank out their products, even if that metal was being wasted, and was truly needed for the production of another weapon.

An essential reason for Germany losing the war is the fact that her main allies required more German assistance than they provided help. Austria-Hungary did not fare so well in its war with Italy and required a large amount of resources, money, and even some troops from Germany. Instead of helping Germany along the Western front, the way Britain helped France, Austria merely consumed Germany’s precious resources. The same was true for the Ottoman Empire. They did not fare well against the Russians or Arabs and required German assistance, instead of helping Germany. The only purpose Germany’s allies served was that they prevented the Allies from completely surrounding Germany.

The last reason that bears mentioning is the limited foresight that Germany incorporated into her strategy. Germany’s plan was titled the Von Schlieffen Plan, and it entailed moving through Belgium and advancing quickly towards Paris, thereby defeating the Allies. It did not include a fall back plan in case this initial strategy failed, which it did. The Germans were stopped a mere handful of miles of Paris and then slowly pushed back out of France. Once this happened the Germans had no plan except to slow the Allies advance. This was a strategy that guaranteed defeat, because it did not include a stratagem for regaining the lost ground, or somehow defeating the Allies, except for bleeding them to death.

Germany came into the war without sufficient preparation, and faced an extremely well organized and prepared enemy. The Germans had high spirits coming into the war, thinking that they would win it in a matter of months, and steamroll the allies. These high hopes were soon crushed as trench warfare kicked in and movement was halted. This is when their bad organization such as a lack of a tax system, weak propaganda, and nonexistent collaboration with her allies started having strong effects. All of these effects together slowly chiseled away at Germany’s might. This ultimately led to Germany’s destruction. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

Word Count: 922

Nik Weiss

The Fall of the Seemingly Mighty German Empire

Some might say that there is one key reason for Germany’s defeat in World War I. They say that it was the lack of foresight, or the success of British propaganda, and they are not wrong, yet they are not completely right either. The truth is that Germany’s defeat can only attributed to the combination of these reasons, and many others. It was neither the lack of foresight nor the success of British propaganda; it was the lack of foresight and with the success of British propaganda combined with several other key issues. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

One of the reasons Germany loses World War I is because of the effectiveness of British propaganda throughout the world. On the outset of the 20^th century both Germany and Britain vied for the support of nations and empires throughout the world. Both spread propaganda in order to accomplish their goals, yet Germany’s efforts were not enough. When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain successfully turned this passing through a neutral country into an international crisis. They referred to it as “Poor Little Belgium” and managed to conquer public opinion throughout the world. This scared off Germany’s potential allies, and turned them all to the Allies’ side. Germany’s propaganda might have been successful before the invasion of Belgium, but it simply couldn’t cover for that mistake.

Another key cause for Germany’s defeat is the way the Allies managed to unite against Germany, while Germany and her allies fought separately. British and French troops along the western front were placed under the united command of French General Foch. His direct subordinate was British general Haig. Together these two managed two make two empires’ armies work in together in perfect harmony. Germany on the other hand was by itself in its push towards Paris and received no support from her allies due to limited cooperation between them. Had Germany received Austro-Hungarian support and placed all troops under German or Austro-Hungarian command, she might have succeeded in taking Paris, but the allies did manage to stop Germany due to their great teamwork and Germany’s lack of it.

An additional issue that damaged Germany greatly was her lack of a national tax system. Britain had already developed a strong tax system many years before the war, yet Germany had none in place at all. Germany’s system was based on nationalism, and those in command merely expected the people to contribute all they could to the war effort. This had two major problems. The people did not know exactly what to give their money to, and this caused a great deal of confusion. The other issue was that Germany did not have a government office in charge of controlling what companies produced for the war effort. Companies would just continually crank out their products, even if that metal was being wasted, and was truly needed for the production of another weapon.

An essential reason for Germany losing the war is the fact that her main allies required more German assistance than they provided help. Austria-Hungary did not fare so well in its war with Italy and required a large amount of resources, money, and even some troops from Germany. Instead of helping Germany along the Western front, the way Britain helped France, Austria merely consumed Germany’s precious resources. The same was true for the Ottoman Empire. They did not fare well against the Russians or Arabs and required German assistance, instead of helping Germany. The only purpose Germany’s allies served was that they prevented the Allies from completely surrounding Germany.

The last reason that bears mentioning is the limited foresight that Germany incorporated into her strategy. Germany’s plan was titled the Von Schlieffen Plan, and it entailed moving through Belgium and advancing quickly towards Paris, thereby defeating the Allies. It did not include a fall back plan in case this initial strategy failed, which it did. The Germans were stopped a mere handful of miles of Paris and then slowly pushed back out of France. Once this happened the Germans had no plan except to slow the Allies advance. This was a strategy that guaranteed defeat, because it did not include a stratagem for regaining the lost ground, or somehow defeating the Allies, except for bleeding them to death.

Germany came into the war without sufficient preparation, and faced an extremely well organized and prepared enemy. The Germans had high spirits coming into the war, thinking that they would win it in a matter of months, and steamroll the allies. These high hopes were soon crushed as trench warfare kicked in and movement was halted. This is when their bad organization such as a lack of a tax system, weak propaganda, and nonexistent collaboration with her allies started having strong effects. All of these effects together slowly chiseled away at Germany’s might. This ultimately led to Germany’s destruction. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

Word Count: 922

Nik Weiss

The Fall of the Seemingly Mighty German Empire

Some might say that there is one key reason for Germany’s defeat in World War I. They say that it was the lack of foresight, or the success of British propaganda, and they are not wrong, yet they are not completely right either. The truth is that Germany’s defeat can only attributed to the combination of these reasons, and many others. It was neither the lack of foresight nor the success of British propaganda; it was the lack of foresight and with the success of British propaganda combined with several other key issues. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

One of the reasons Germany loses World War I is because of the effectiveness of British propaganda throughout the world. On the outset of the 20^th century both Germany and Britain vied for the support of nations and empires throughout the world. Both spread propaganda in order to accomplish their goals, yet Germany’s efforts were not enough. When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain successfully turned this passing through a neutral country into an international crisis. They referred to it as “Poor Little Belgium” and managed to conquer public opinion throughout the world. This scared off Germany’s potential allies, and turned them all to the Allies’ side. Germany’s propaganda might have been successful before the invasion of Belgium, but it simply couldn’t cover for that mistake.

Another key cause for Germany’s defeat is the way the Allies managed to unite against Germany, while Germany and her allies fought separately. British and French troops along the western front were placed under the united command of French General Foch. His direct subordinate was British general Haig. Together these two managed two make two empires’ armies work in together in perfect harmony. Germany on the other hand was by itself in its push towards Paris and received no support from her allies due to limited cooperation between them. Had Germany received Austro-Hungarian support and placed all troops under German or Austro-Hungarian command, she might have succeeded in taking Paris, but the allies did manage to stop Germany due to their great teamwork and Germany’s lack of it.

An additional issue that damaged Germany greatly was her lack of a national tax system. Britain had already developed a strong tax system many years before the war, yet Germany had none in place at all. Germany’s system was based on nationalism, and those in command merely expected the people to contribute all they could to the war effort. This had two major problems. The people did not know exactly what to give their money to, and this caused a great deal of confusion. The other issue was that Germany did not have a government office in charge of controlling what companies produced for the war effort. Companies would just continually crank out their products, even if that metal was being wasted, and was truly needed for the production of another weapon.

An essential reason for Germany losing the war is the fact that her main allies required more German assistance than they provided help. Austria-Hungary did not fare so well in its war with Italy and required a large amount of resources, money, and even some troops from Germany. Instead of helping Germany along the Western front, the way Britain helped France, Austria merely consumed Germany’s precious resources. The same was true for the Ottoman Empire. They did not fare well against the Russians or Arabs and required German assistance, instead of helping Germany. The only purpose Germany’s allies served was that they prevented the Allies from completely surrounding Germany.

The last reason that bears mentioning is the limited foresight that Germany incorporated into her strategy. Germany’s plan was titled the Von Schlieffen Plan, and it entailed moving through Belgium and advancing quickly towards Paris, thereby defeating the Allies. It did not include a fall back plan in case this initial strategy failed, which it did. The Germans were stopped a mere handful of miles of Paris and then slowly pushed back out of France. Once this happened the Germans had no plan except to slow the Allies advance. This was a strategy that guaranteed defeat, because it did not include a stratagem for regaining the lost ground, or somehow defeating the Allies, except for bleeding them to death.

Germany came into the war without sufficient preparation, and faced an extremely well organized and prepared enemy. The Germans had high spirits coming into the war, thinking that they would win it in a matter of months, and steamroll the allies. These high hopes were soon crushed as trench warfare kicked in and movement was halted. This is when their bad organization such as a lack of a tax system, weak propaganda, and nonexistent collaboration with her allies started having strong effects. All of these effects together slowly chiseled away at Germany’s might. This ultimately led to Germany’s destruction. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

Word Count: 922

Nik Weiss

The Fall of the Seemingly Mighty German Empire

Some might say that there is one key reason for Germany’s defeat in World War I. They say that it was the lack of foresight, or the success of British propaganda, and they are not wrong, yet they are not completely right either. The truth is that Germany’s defeat can only attributed to the combination of these reasons, and many others. It was neither the lack of foresight nor the success of British propaganda; it was the lack of foresight and with the success of British propaganda combined with several other key issues. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

One of the reasons Germany loses World War I is because of the effectiveness of British propaganda throughout the world. On the outset of the 20^th century both Germany and Britain vied for the support of nations and empires throughout the world. Both spread propaganda in order to accomplish their goals, yet Germany’s efforts were not enough. When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain successfully turned this passing through a neutral country into an international crisis. They referred to it as “Poor Little Belgium” and managed to conquer public opinion throughout the world. This scared off Germany’s potential allies, and turned them all to the Allies’ side. Germany’s propaganda might have been successful before the invasion of Belgium, but it simply couldn’t cover for that mistake.

Another key cause for Germany’s defeat is the way the Allies managed to unite against Germany, while Germany and her allies fought separately. British and French troops along the western front were placed under the united command of French General Foch. His direct subordinate was British general Haig. Together these two managed two make two empires’ armies work in together in perfect harmony. Germany on the other hand was by itself in its push towards Paris and received no support from her allies due to limited cooperation between them. Had Germany received Austro-Hungarian support and placed all troops under German or Austro-Hungarian command, she might have succeeded in taking Paris, but the allies did manage to stop Germany due to their great teamwork and Germany’s lack of it.

An additional issue that damaged Germany greatly was her lack of a national tax system. Britain had already developed a strong tax system many years before the war, yet Germany had none in place at all. Germany’s system was based on nationalism, and those in command merely expected the people to contribute all they could to the war effort. This had two major problems. The people did not know exactly what to give their money to, and this caused a great deal of confusion. The other issue was that Germany did not have a government office in charge of controlling what companies produced for the war effort. Companies would just continually crank out their products, even if that metal was being wasted, and was truly needed for the production of another weapon.

An essential reason for Germany losing the war is the fact that her main allies required more German assistance than they provided help. Austria-Hungary did not fare so well in its war with Italy and required a large amount of resources, money, and even some troops from Germany. Instead of helping Germany along the Western front, the way Britain helped France, Austria merely consumed Germany’s precious resources. The same was true for the Ottoman Empire. They did not fare well against the Russians or Arabs and required German assistance, instead of helping Germany. The only purpose Germany’s allies served was that they prevented the Allies from completely surrounding Germany.

The last reason that bears mentioning is the limited foresight that Germany incorporated into her strategy. Germany’s plan was titled the Von Schlieffen Plan, and it entailed moving through Belgium and advancing quickly towards Paris, thereby defeating the Allies. It did not include a fall back plan in case this initial strategy failed, which it did. The Germans were stopped a mere handful of miles of Paris and then slowly pushed back out of France. Once this happened the Germans had no plan except to slow the Allies advance. This was a strategy that guaranteed defeat, because it did not include a stratagem for regaining the lost ground, or somehow defeating the Allies, except for bleeding them to death.

Germany came into the war without sufficient preparation, and faced an extremely well organized and prepared enemy. The Germans had high spirits coming into the war, thinking that they would win it in a matter of months, and steamroll the allies. These high hopes were soon crushed as trench warfare kicked in and movement was halted. This is when their bad organization such as a lack of a tax system, weak propaganda, and nonexistent collaboration with her allies started having strong effects. All of these effects together slowly chiseled away at Germany’s might. This ultimately led to Germany’s destruction. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

Word Count: 922

Nik Weiss

The Fall of the Seemingly Mighty German Empire

Some might say that there is one key reason for Germany’s defeat in World War I. They say that it was the lack of foresight, or the success of British propaganda, and they are not wrong, yet they are not completely right either. The truth is that Germany’s defeat can only attributed to the combination of these reasons, and many others. It was neither the lack of foresight nor the success of British propaganda; it was the lack of foresight and with the success of British propaganda combined with several other key issues. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

One of the reasons Germany loses World War I is because of the effectiveness of British propaganda throughout the world. On the outset of the 20^th century both Germany and Britain vied for the support of nations and empires throughout the world. Both spread propaganda in order to accomplish their goals, yet Germany’s efforts were not enough. When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain successfully turned this passing through a neutral country into an international crisis. They referred to it as “Poor Little Belgium” and managed to conquer public opinion throughout the world. This scared off Germany’s potential allies, and turned them all to the Allies’ side. Germany’s propaganda might have been successful before the invasion of Belgium, but it simply couldn’t cover for that mistake.

Another key cause for Germany’s defeat is the way the Allies managed to unite against Germany, while Germany and her allies fought separately. British and French troops along the western front were placed under the united command of French General Foch. His direct subordinate was British general Haig. Together these two managed two make two empires’ armies work in together in perfect harmony. Germany on the other hand was by itself in its push towards Paris and received no support from her allies due to limited cooperation between them. Had Germany received Austro-Hungarian support and placed all troops under German or Austro-Hungarian command, she might have succeeded in taking Paris, but the allies did manage to stop Germany due to their great teamwork and Germany’s lack of it.

An additional issue that damaged Germany greatly was her lack of a national tax system. Britain had already developed a strong tax system many years before the war, yet Germany had none in place at all. Germany’s system was based on nationalism, and those in command merely expected the people to contribute all they could to the war effort. This had two major problems. The people did not know exactly what to give their money to, and this caused a great deal of confusion. The other issue was that Germany did not have a government office in charge of controlling what companies produced for the war effort. Companies would just continually crank out their products, even if that metal was being wasted, and was truly needed for the production of another weapon.

An essential reason for Germany losing the war is the fact that her main allies required more German assistance than they provided help. Austria-Hungary did not fare so well in its war with Italy and required a large amount of resources, money, and even some troops from Germany. Instead of helping Germany along the Western front, the way Britain helped France, Austria merely consumed Germany’s precious resources. The same was true for the Ottoman Empire. They did not fare well against the Russians or Arabs and required German assistance, instead of helping Germany. The only purpose Germany’s allies served was that they prevented the Allies from completely surrounding Germany.

The last reason that bears mentioning is the limited foresight that Germany incorporated into her strategy. Germany’s plan was titled the Von Schlieffen Plan, and it entailed moving through Belgium and advancing quickly towards Paris, thereby defeating the Allies. It did not include a fall back plan in case this initial strategy failed, which it did. The Germans were stopped a mere handful of miles of Paris and then slowly pushed back out of France. Once this happened the Germans had no plan except to slow the Allies advance. This was a strategy that guaranteed defeat, because it did not include a stratagem for regaining the lost ground, or somehow defeating the Allies, except for bleeding them to death.

Germany came into the war without sufficient preparation, and faced an extremely well organized and prepared enemy. The Germans had high spirits coming into the war, thinking that they would win it in a matter of months, and steamroll the allies. These high hopes were soon crushed as trench warfare kicked in and movement was halted. This is when their bad organization such as a lack of a tax system, weak propaganda, and nonexistent collaboration with her allies started having strong effects. All of these effects together slowly chiseled away at Germany’s might. This ultimately led to Germany’s destruction. Germany did not lose World War I solely due to one problem; rather, it was a combination of powerful British propaganda, strong unison on the side of the Allies, the lack of a national German tax system, weak allies which required much financial support, and a plan that lacked foresight in the case of failure of the initial offensive.

Word Count: 922

Germany Before World War I

To what extent was Germany already at war with Europe by 1914?

There were several factors that prove that Germany was already at war before WWI even started

     - Germany had greatly increased its naval production in order to overpower the British navy

     - Germany cut her ties with Russia, putting her in a defensive position

     - At the first Moroccan crisis Germany put on a display of force, intimidating the French

Germany was afraid of the large British navy

     - Germany increased naval production in order to overpower Britain, should the need arise

     - Increased production led to a naval arms race with Britain

     - Germany was essentially waiting for the opportunity to strike

Germany favored her Austro-Hungarian ties over her Russian alliance

     - Since Germany intended to remain Austria-Hungary's ally, Russian ties were sacrificed

     - This put Germany in a two-front war position, forcing them to look for an opening to remove either France or Russia

     - This gave reason for increased arms production, starting more arms races

At the Moroccan crisis Germany refused to let France have her land

     - Germany tried to show herself as the stronger potential ally

     - This failed, since Britain backed France in the event

     - Germany ended up in an even more hostile situation, bringing it to the brink of war

Germany's various blunders led to a unfavorable position, heightening the conflict with other European nations

     - Since Germany realized her bad position she looked for a way to strike soon, before things worsened

     - Germany was losing arm's races, and her enemies were growing

     - Germany was essentially losing the war before it officially started