Germany

Germany is a European country, surrounded by a mighty alliance—the Triple Entente of England, France, and Russia. Germany's weak allies were Austria-Hungary and Italy.

The German Empire was established in 1871 with Prince Otto von Bismarck as its first chancellor. It was run by landowners, capitalists, and military men. German industry was growing powerful, as well as the porportional size of the politically alert working class which supported the Social-Democratic party (SPD). Bismarck made several attempts to stop its steady growth in vain.

Because of its position between France and Russia, Germany feared about a war against two fronts which would never win. The Schlieffen Plan was a strategic scenario preparing Germany for this event, calculating on the slowness of the (still developing) Russian army to mobilize by 1917. Unless Russia's growth stopped, Germany would have to defeat France by then.

After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the German ruling class seized on the event to press for war with Russia, and thus bringing the SPD in a dilemma that would split it apart. Germany pledged its unconditional support to its ally Austria-Hungary throughout the crisis. Indeed, when Russia mobilized against Austria-Hungary and Germany, the latter demanded Russia to cease its mobilizations or face war. Germany declared war soon after, and warned France to make its intentions clear. No reply was given, so Germany declared war on France.

When the German Army requested permission to pass through Belgium, which was neutral in accordance with treaty obligations, the Belgian king refused. Germany invaded Belgium but Great Britain declared war on Germany, because of the treaty of neutrality violation.