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

It is true that by 1914 Germany was already involved in a heads-on race with England, France and Russia (Triple Entente). To better appreciate this one should understand the events that pre-dated the First World War.

Following the appointment to power (1890) of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the new ruler clearly aimed to make Germany the biggest force in Europe. By 1914 Germany was producing 2/3’s of Europe’s steel and over half of its coal as well as leading in new industries such as in electrical goods and chemicals.

The Kaiser recognized that for Germany to be a true force the country had to have a strong navy. The German Navy League was created in 1898 and heavy investments were directed in building up a strong navy. The British, which had the strongest navy at the time, became very concerned and increased battleship production in order to keep the lead over Germany. In 1909 there were negotiations between England and Germany about the Navy race but there was no progress and the relationship between the 2 countries became severely damaged.

The German’s never had good relationship with France and when in 1911 France troops were send to Morocco at the Sultan’s request the Germans consider this as a French takeover and a conflict to Germany’s interest for expanding in Africa. Germany sent a gunboat but the British fleet was put on alert and only Germany lost out put as a result the British and French a naval agreement between them.

Germany’s expansion ambitions included the support of Austro-Hungarian rulers. In 1908 -09 there was a crisis in the Balkans between the Austrians and the Serbians which were backed by the Russians. Germany stood by its ally Austria and forced Russia, which was weak after the war with Japan, to back down in 1909.

Therefore it is clear that Germany and its allies by becoming strong and establishing an aggressive foreign policy, it has led itself in isolation and with enemies in the East (Russia) and in the West (England and France). Although the war had not began Germany was heading that direction.