The German Foreign Policy and the Causes of World War One worksheet provides students with a structured exploration of how Germany’s foreign policy decisions contributed to the outbreak of war in 1914. It examines the role of alliances, military expansion, and diplomatic crises in escalating tensions across Europe.

Students begin by exploring Bismarck’s foreign policy, which aimed to isolate France while maintaining stability through alliances with Austria-Hungary and Russia. The worksheet then examines how Kaiser Wilhelm II’s more aggressive approach shifted Germany’s international position, leading to increased tensions with Britain, France, and Russia. Germany’s involvement in the naval arms race, its challenges to French control in the Moroccan Crises, and its support for Austria-Hungary following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand are all explored, helping students understand the impact of key diplomatic decisions.

The worksheet includes four structured comprehension questions, guiding students to analyse the differences between Bismarck and Wilhelm II’s policies, the motivations behind Germany’s military expansion, and the consequences of its diplomatic choices. A written response task requires students to explain how Germany’s foreign policy contributed to World War One.

A teacher answer sheet is included, providing clear responses to the comprehension questions, ensuring educators have a structured guide for assessment. This worksheet offers a solid foundation for understanding how Germany’s foreign policy shaped international relations and contributed to global conflict.

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