"Oh, if only I knew." Even Bethmann-Hollweg had to voice his frustration in isolating a major cause of the First World War. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th Century, a place where "Europe was the centre of the universe" (Petrie), World War I resulted from a number of factors: nationalism, imperialism, militarism and he alliance system in Europe. All the European powers bear responsibility. Germany in particular, risked war, but did not plan it.
Bismarck said "If ever there is another war in Europe, it will come out of some damned silly thing in the Balkans," -this proved correct.…
