Pre WW1 Germany was perhaps the most powerful country in Europe at the time. In large part thanks to the leadership of Otto Von Bismarck arguably one of the greatest diplomats to ever live. He took a weakened and unstable Prussia, and transformed it into the German Empire. Making their industry the most advanced at the time even more advanced than that of Britain. In stead of going mad with power like many leaders had in the past he in stead chose to maintain that position by keeping peace in Europe by mediating conflicts maintaining good relations with most European nations including the UK and diplomatically isolating the otherwise hostile France.

Against all odds the impossible seemed to have been achieved but then... Bismarck was forced out of office by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Who seemed intent on taking on the leadership of Germany himself due to disliking the newly formed pact with Russia and Austria Hungary. The Three Emperors League a way for Bismarck to prevent a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia while at the same time taking advantage of the hostility they had towards each other. Which would pave the way for what was to follow.

Wilhelm started with destroying German foreign relations by refusing to renew this pact with Russia in particular. Allowing the formerly isolated France to essentially court Russia ending with them becoming Military allies in 1894. Now Europe was divided into two sides.

Britain who Otto Von Bismarck had tried to foster good relations with were also severed. The people of Britain felt a sort of natural alliance with Germany due to their shared Anglo-Saxon ancestry. Wilhelm however often made careless comments attacking Britain as well as other nations like France. Seemingly not caring or realizing the consequences it could have. This un eased Britain. The decision by their new military general Admiral Alfred Von Tripitz to expand their navy due to him seeing it as "the legitimate sign of a world power" might've been the final nail in the coffin. Britain prided themselves on their navy and it had been unrivaled in Europe. They viewed this as a direct challenge by Germany, in their own words "forcing them to spend the people's money on it".

At first an alliance between both sides against Britain seemed more likely but the British leaders foresaw it. By improving relations with the US, entering an alliance with Japan and settling their disagreements with the Anglo French alliance they managed to avoid it. Germany and the Kaiser were unhappy about this. Trying to split them apart they started heavily criticizing and bullying both Germany and France. This had a reverse effect. It forced them closer together solidifying their alliance. Also res***ing in Germany beginning to be seen as a threat to peace in Europe.

Germany who's only major ally now was Austria-Hungary gave them a "blank check" essentially pledging their loyal support to Austria-Hungary in their economic and military pursuits. As you may be aware WW1 started by Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia as their archduke was murdered. Russia who felt a need to protect Serbia started to mobilise their troops Germany became paranoid and declared war on them. They sent message to France demanding to know their intentions as they didn't give a sure answer they decided to declare war on them as well escalating it into a full blown world war.

As history will tell us Germany was on the losing side of WW1. The newly found animosity the countries shared towards Germany would result in it taking the majority of the blame and the country being largely restricted through the Treaty of Versailles. The empire now in shambles and having massive debt. Poverty started to grow. Wilhelm in stead of dealing with this decided to flee the country. Leaving the people to suffer. Anyone who knows their WW2 history will also know that the suffering and hurt pride among the German people that resulted from the treaty. was what allowed Hitler to captivate the hearts of Germans with his speeches and take power to initiate his plans for a "perfect society". If not for the actions Wilhelm took that lead to WW1, there would've been no WW2 and history might've developed differently.

So there we have it, Kaiser Wilhelm II, a man who directly through his stupidity set Germany on a path to its downfall and spawned the creation of WW1 which the effects of would directly enable WW2 as we know it.

A bit long winded but I thought it could make for an interesting topic since I've been thinking about it a lot the past few days. Hopefully you will all find it interesting as well and I look forward to see what you may have to say. 

This was an extremely informative article. I really enjoyed reading this and it sheds some light on our world's history for me. It just goes to show how anyone given enough power can tear the world apart with their pride, greed, or as you put it, stupidity. The thing I wonder most about people like this is, does it ever weigh them down to think about all the lives they cost their comrades and countrymen, let alone their enemies? I would like to think so, but then again, they are politicians in a sense, so being soulless is also viable.

A good analogy I like to bring up is German was like the red headed step child. Whilst all the other countries had been around for a long time Germany was a newer country and had something to prove. It's part of the reason it started accumulating power.

Also the whole assassination of the Archduke was a major face palm. It fails the first time and then coincidentally the Archduke takes a wrong turn at a sandwich shop shop that one of the assassins, Gavrilo Princip, went to. Since the assassin was trained by the black hand from Serbia, Austria-Hungary fought back.

So therefore:

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary
Germany declares war on Russia
Germany declares war on France
Germany decides "screw it lets go for Belgium too!"
UK declares war on Germany
and Japan declares war on Germany (Deux ex Japan).

A lot of interesting stuff happened before the war as well with the Russians and the Ottoman Empire. I know right? The Ottomans were still a thing apparently.