Germany and the Origins of the First World War 1 Between 1866 and 1871, thanks to the skilful diplomacy of Prussia’s great minister, Prince Otto von Bismarck and to the unexcelled military genius of his generals, Albrecht von Roon and Helmuth von Moltke; the situation in what had been the German confederation was completely altered. During the first half of its existence, the confederation had been dominated by the Austrian Hapsburgs. As a result of Prussia’s …showed first 75 words of 2789 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2789 total…be conducted.29 Added to this the imperialism of the 1880’s and 1890’s had produced, especially in Britain and Germany, a great deal of antagonism between the two powers. In Germany, the concept of expansionism based primarily on military glory, found enough support to gain mass support from the leaders of every aspect of Germany.30 It was this consensus which was not present in any other nation that was to serve as the impetus for war.