Germany before the war

The work offers a contemporaneous snapshot of Germany on the eve of the Great War, examining empire, imperial family, government, military, parties, public opinion, and economic motives. It traces attempts at peace via Hague conferences, showing why they failed, and highlights the role of pacifist movements across Europe, especially Belgium and France, and their limited influence on German politics. The author, a former Belgian minister, weaves diplomatic correspondence and observations to map the tensions simmering in Berlin.

Readers are guided through topics such as the “War Party” in the army and navy, the contentious Moroccan and Eastern questions, and the fraught politics of Alsace‑Lorraine that stymied socialist outreach. The book also analyses the Reichstag’s factions, the sway of public opinion, and the economic pressures that nudged Germany toward conflict. By the close of the first act, the stage is set for the looming tragedy that would soon engulf Europe.