The 'blank cheque' was a pledge of almost unconditional support given by Germany to Austria-Hungary early in the crisis following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in June 1914. It was top secret at the time and no other country was involved. It is widely believed that the 'blank cheque' encouraged Austria-Hungary to behave unreasonably towards Serbia.
The 'blank cheque' dates from 6 July 1914 - in other words, very early in the crisis.
The 'blank cheque' dates from 6 July 1914 - in other words, very early in the crisis.
William II
Kaiser Wilhelm the second
In 1914 there was wild enthusiasm for the war in all of the main countries involved - including Germany.
The telegram, dated 6 July 1914, was signed by Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg, but he must have consulted others before sending it
World War 1 starts in July 28 1914
On 6 July 1914 Germany gave Austria-Hungary a guarantee of almost unconditional support in any war arising from its dealings with Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. This guarantee, which encouraged the hawks in Vienna, is often referred to as a 'blank cheque'.
At the end of 1914 there were four main countries that made up the Allies. These were the Triple Entente - Russia, France and the United Kingdom - and Japan also joined the Allies in that year. However, these countries brought all of their territories and dependencies with them. There were other countries involved as well. Therefore, if the world's countries were what they are now in 1914, the Allies were Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Serbia, Belgium, Montenegro, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa.
Germany and Britain were the two countries that spent more on Armaments in 1914.
Seven European countries held land in Africa in 1914.
7 European Countries were held African colonies by 1914.