Why were Germany and Austria-Hungary allies?

Answer 1

Germany have an alliance pact with Austria-Hungary

Answer 2

The battle lines for the war were largely drawn in the 19th century as a series of defense treaties. After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Austria declared war on Serbia. Russia had treaty obligations to protect Serbia against Austrian aggression while Germany had treaties with Austria to guard against Russian aggression.

Answer 3

In all the key decision, Austria-Hungary was encouraged by the German General Staff to be high-handed and unresaonable and to behave in a way likely to lead to war. Austria-Hungary was shamelessly used in order to unleash a European war. (So you really need to word the question differently). This view is supported by relevant documents. See, for example, the work of Fritz Fischer and also David Fromkin, Europe's Last Summer: Who started the Great War in 1914? (2004) ISBN 0-375-41156-9, ISBN 0-375-72575-X (paperback)

Answer 4

The central European countries were natural allies because of their common past as generally Germanic peoples, notably under the Holy Roman Empire (962 to 1806 AD)

In 1882, they formed the Triple Alliance with Italy, under which Germany had an agreement to go to war if Austria-Hungary were to be attacked by Russia. Alliances such as this were what brought so many countries into World War I in 1914.

Answer 5

There already existed an offensive/defensive alliance between Austria-Hungary and Germany since well before WW 1. Germany was brought into the war because of this alliance when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in retaliation for the murder of crown prince Francis Ferdinand.

It should be noted that Germany wasn't exactly 'dragged' into the war by the Austrians. Germany had been prodding the Austrians all along to start the war and they were only too happy to join in.

Answer 6

Germany supported Austria-Hungary because they had been in an alliance since 1879. Additionally, Kaiser Wilhelm II (the ruler of Germany) was friends with Archduke Franz Ferdinand (the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne), whose assassination led to the outbreak of World War I. Wilhelm was surprised and angered by the murder of his friend, and he thought it was appropriate for Austria-Hungary to punish Serbia for it (some Serbian military officers had assisted in the assassination attempt).

Answer 7

Germany have an alliance pact with Austria-Hungary