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Another camp sees the war as a consequence of Germany's military planning and foreign policy, which became increasingly aggressive in the years leading up to the war. This view originated with the writings of German historian Fritz Fischer in the 1960s and has been referred to as the "Fischer thesis." The General Staff focused on offensive concepts, including the Schlieffen plan to invade France, which was drawn up in 1904.  

Another camp sees the war as a consequence of Germany's military planning and foreign policy, which became increasingly aggressive in the years leading up to the war. This view originated with the writings of German historian Fritz Fischer in the 1960s and has been referred to as the "Fischer thesis." The General Staff focused on offensive concepts, including the Schlieffen plan to invade France, which was drawn up in 1904.  

From 1902 to 1911, a "naval race" between Germany and Britain was a focus of patriotic pride in both countries. The navy was popular with the German public, who thought of it as a way for their country to gain a larger share of colonies. Policymakers generally dismissed colonial ambitions and thought of the navy as a tool to be used in European politics. After Britian and France stood together in the Agadir Crisis in 1911, German leaders shifted their focus to the army. Germany did not have the resources to outbuild a combined Anglo-French fleet.

From 1902 to 1911, a "naval race" between Germany and Britain was a focus of patriotic pride in both countries. The navy was popular with the German public, who thought of it as a way for their country to gain a larger share of colonies. Policymakers generally dismissed colonial ambitions and thought of the navy as a tool to be used in European politics. After Britain and France stood together in the Agadir Crisis in 1911, German leaders shifted their focus to the army. Germany did not have the resources to outbuild a combined Anglo-French fleet.

The war began in 1914 between two coalitions. The "Central Powers" comprised the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires, later joined by the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire. The "Allies" included the British, Russian and French Empires, Japan, and Serbia.<ref>Italy was originally a Central Power, but remained neutral in 1914 and joined the Allies in 1915.</ref> The powers had vast overseas empires in Asia, Africa and the Western Hemisphere (including Canada) that were active participants.  

The war began in 1914 between two coalitions. The "Central Powers" comprised the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires, later joined by the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire. The "Allies" included the British, Russian and French Empires, Japan, and Serbia.<ref>Italy was originally a Central Power, but remained neutral in 1914 and joined the Allies in 1915.</ref> The powers had vast overseas empires in Asia, Africa and the Western Hemisphere (including Canada) that were active participants.