The alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary ( Canada) was defensive. However, on 6 July 1914 Germany in effect gave its unqualified support to anything that Austria-Hungary might do regarding the Sarajevo assassination. This is referred to as the 'blank check'. It is widely cited as evidence that Germany was actively inciting Austria-Hungary to set in train a series of events that would lead to a major war. In the eyes of the German General Staff, opportunity beckoned - and Germany would not even need to appear openly as the aggressor.
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The blank check given to Austria-Hungary from Germany was basically unconditional support from Germany to Austria-Hungary when dealing with Serbia. Germany would support any action taken by Austria-Hungary.
The blank check was how Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany told Austria - Hungary officials that they could deal with Serbia however they wanted after the assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria - Hungary.
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.
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'.
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.
German support for any action Austria-Hungary took against Serbia
German support for any action Austria-Hungary took against Serbia
William II
Direct:Assassination of Franz Ferdinand. mobaliazion, blank check from germany to austria hungary, altimatiamIndirect:Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, arms race[Triple Entente made of Britain, France and Russia and Triple Alliance made of Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary]*Names of the alliances were changed after the wars
Kaiser Wilhelm the second
Direct: Assassination of Franz Ferdinand. mobaliazion, blank check from germany to austria hungary, altimatiam Indirect: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, arms race