Chapter Questions for Guns of August
Chapter 6: Outbreak and August 1 - Berlin
1.
Describe what events led to the outbreak of the war. What did Bismarck mean when he said
that “some damned foolish thing in the Balkans” would ignite the war? Why is Germany’s
assurance of “faithful support” to Austria referred to as the writing of the “blank check?” (pp.
85-86)
Bismarck was referring to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian. Like many
people, Bismarck shared an idea that the assassination was an excuse to go to war.
“Blank check” was a term referring to the “faithful support” of Germany to Austria. Germany
promised to support with whatever Austria needed in her war against Serbia, such as money and
supplies for troops.
2. When Tuchman writes that crowds massed in the streets of Berlin waiting for word of
mobilization of the military “instantly converted from Marx to Mars,” what did she mean? (pg.
88)
Mars referred to the Greek mythology – god of war. The phrase meant that German public was
supporting the war.
3. What did the Kaiser mean when he said “The dead Edward is stronger than the living I?” (pg. 90)
Kaiser believed that the dead Edward would be happy to know that his plan to ruin Germany had
been achieved as other powerful nations of Europe were set against Germany in the Great War.
Kaiser said, “The encirclement of Germany is at last an accomplish fact.”
4. What last-minute proposal regarding Alsace was considered by the Germans? What solution did
it offer? (pp. 90-91) What did the Germans offer to France instead?
Germans wanted to avoid two-front was at all causes. They asked France to remain neutral in
the Russo-German War. In return, German would guarantee France with Touland and Verdun
territories after the war.
5.
What was German Ambassador to Britain Prince Lichnowsky’s proposal as offered by the
English? (pp. 91-92) How did the actual statements of Edmund Grey differ from what was
reported by Lichnowsky?
Lichnowsky proposed that if Germany doesn’t attack France, then Britain will remain neutral
and also guarantee France’s neutrality.
Instead Edmund Grey, the foreign secretary of England, told Germany to keep France neutral in
the Russo-German War, Germany must not attack France and Russia and only to focus her
attention to the Serbian affair with Austria.