An account of the diplomatic maneuverings that led to World War I, focusing on Germany's alliances with Austria-Hungary and Italy and their confrontation with Britain, France, and Russia. Argues that Germany acted in self-defense to protect its national security and maintain the balance of power in Europe.
The book presents a defense of Germany's role in World War I, asserting that the nation is safeguarding European civilization from aggressive expansionism. Helfferich contends that Germany is unjustly blamed for the war's outbreak and emphasizes the country's fight for sovereignty and citizen rights. It includes an in-depth examination of Germany's political and economic landscape, alongside its military strategies. This controversial work offers a distinct perspective on the war's justifications from a German viewpoint, contributing to the ongoing debate about the conflict's origins.