The question of German responsibility for the first world war isone that still produces considerable debate among historians. Although itappears that many present day scholars place the war guilt at Germany’sdoor, some have produced cogent arguments designed to relieve Germany ofthis accusation.This paper does not propose to present a definitive answer to theintricate question of German responsibility. Rather an attempt will bema4e to examine the historic role of Germany prior to and during WorldWar I. It is believed that such an analysis will be a valuable study,inasmuch as it will point out, in a capsule form, some of the issues involved in the debate on German responsibility.In approaching this question, a brief examination will be made ofseveral selected factors influencing Germany’s conduct on the eve of thewar. This will include such potent factors as resurgent nationalism, entangling alliances, increasing militarism, intense conmiercial rivalry, andrepeated involvement in international disputes. These factors seem to benecessary essentials for a clear understanding of motivactions that promted German behavior in the face of war.Also Austro-German diplomatic relations will be examined, withespecial emphasis being placed on the aftermath of the Sarajevo incident.Since this is the period that most firmly supports the proponents ofGerman war guilt, it will receive considerable attention. The outbreak ofthe hostility and German’s reaction will be briefly discussed.While this short paper cannot be expected to answer such anintricate question, the writer feels that a presentation of pros and consin this debate will point up many issues which should be of value to novicehistorians. Herein lies the real worth and purpose of this research.

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