Kelly Millers History of the World War for Human Rights | Page 7

scheme of conquest official Germany with William II as leader was
contemplating.
PAN-GERMANISM.
Two years after his accession, there was organized the Pan-Germanic
League. This League soon attracted to its ranks the entire class of
Prussian Junkers, virtually all the military class, and a galaxy of writers
and speakers. The purpose of the league was to foster in the minds of
German people the idea that it was their privilege, right and duty to
extend the power, influence and political dominance of Germany to all
parts of the world, peacefully if possible, otherwise by the sword. This
doctrine was taught openly and boldly in Germany in books and
pamphlets and by means of lectures with such frankness and fullness of
details that the world at large laughed at it as an exuberant dream of
fanatics. Intellectual, military, and official Germany was in earnest. Her
generals wrote books illustrated with maps showing the stages of world
conquest; her professors patiently explained how necessary all this was
to Germany's future; while her theologians pointed out it was God's
will. But the world at large, except uneasy France, slept on.
OUTWORKINGS OF THE PLOT.
It was this vision that fired the imagination of William II. He was to be
the Augustus of this greater Roman Empire; over virtually all the earth

the House of Hohenzollern was to exercise despotic sway. Then began
preparation for the World's War. With characteristic German
thoroughness and patience the plans were laid. Thoroughness, since
they embraced every conceivable means that would enhance their
prospect of victory, her military leaders, scientists and statesmen were
all busy. Patience, since they realized there was much to do. Many
years were needed and Germany refused to be hurried. She carefully
attended to every means calculated to increase the commerce and
industry of the empire, but with it all--underlying it all--were activities
devoted to preparation for world conquest. Building for world empire,
Germany could afford to take time.
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED.
Time was needed to solve the military problems involved. A nation
aspiring to territory extending from Hamburg to Bagdad must firmly
control the Balkan States. That meant that Austria must become, in
effect, a German province; Serbia must be crushed; Bulgaria must
become an ally; and Turkey must be brought under control. In 1913,
two of these desired results were attained. Turkey was to a surprising
degree under the military and economic control of Germany. Austria
had become such a close ally that she might almost be styled a vassal of
Germany. She faithfully carried out the wishes of Germany in 1908
when she annexed the Serbian states of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a step
she felt safe in taking since (the Kaiser's own words) behind her was
the "shining sword of Germany." It were tedious to enlarge on this
point. Let it suffice to say that in 1914 Germany felt herself ready for
the conflict. Enormous supplies of guns, of a caliber before unthought
of, and apparently inexhaustible supplies of ammunition had been
prepared; strategic railroads had been built by which armies and
supplies could be hurried to desired points; the Kiel Canal had been
completed; her navy had assumed threatening proportions; her army,
greatly enlarged, was in perfect readiness.
THE REAL CAUSES OF THE WAR.
The real cause of the war is now disclosed. It is not necessary to discuss
other possible causes. The pistol shot at Serajevo was the occasion, not

the cause of the war. The simple fact is that on one pretext or another
war would have come anyway, simply because Germany was ready. In
1913 the speakers of the Pan-German League were going to and fro in
Germany making public speeches on all possible occasions, warning
the people to be ready, telling them "There was the smell of blood in
the air," that the wrath of God was about to be visited upon the nations
that would hem Germany in. We now know from official sources that
Germany was eager for war in the fateful days of July 1914, when
France and England were almost begging for peace. All this is made
exceedingly clear in the secret memoirs of Prince Lichnowski, German
ambassador to England, the published statements of the premier of
Bavaria, also those of the Prince of Monaco, and the records of the
Potsdam council over which the Kaiser presided, secretly convened one
week after the murder of the Prince. There were present the generals,
diplomats and bankers of Germany.
DECISION FOR WAR.
The matter of possible war was carefully considered. To the earnest
question of the emperor, all present assured him that the interests they
represented were ready, with the exception of the financiers who
desired two weeks' time in which to make financial arrangements for
the coming storm. This was given them, and the