mckaywest11e

Quiz for Primary Source 25.1: German Diplomacy and the Road to War

Question

1. Which of the following can be reasonably inferred from the ambassador’s letter?

That the Germans welcomed a general European war

That Austria-Hungary was reluctant to attack Serbia without assurances of German backing

That Austria-Hungary was prepared to invade Serbia, with or without German backing

That both Germany and Austria-Hungary believed it was imperative that Russia not enter the conflict

Correct. The answer is b. The fact that Austria-Hungary sought official reassurance of support from Germany before settling on a plan with regard to Serbia strongly suggests that its leaders believed such assurances were important, perhaps even essential.

Incorrect. The answer is b. The fact that Austria-Hungary sought official reassurance of support from Germany before settling on a plan with regard to Serbia strongly suggests that its leaders believed such assurances were important, perhaps even essential.

Question

2. Based on the ambassador’s letter, which of these best characterizes the German view of the European diplomatic and military situation on the eve of World War I?

The Germans were certain that an Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia would trigger a general war, an eventuality that they welcomed.

The Germans did not believe an Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia would trigger a general war and therefore thought it safe to back the invasion.

The Germans were aware an Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia might trigger a general war but were willing to take that risk because they believed the circumstances to be favorable to their side.

The Germans were extremely reluctant to back an Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia, fearing that the consequence would be a general war.

Correct. The answer is c. According to the letter, Kaiser Wilhelm was aware of the possible consequences of the invasion, but he believed that Russia was unprepared for war and that the situation could be managed to the German’s advantage.

Incorrect. The answer is c. According to the letter, Kaiser Wilhelm was aware of the possible consequences of the invasion, but he believed that Russia was unprepared for war and that the situation could be managed to the German’s advantage.