Germany's Blank Cheque

• Since 1912 German military chiefs had been advocating for war against Russia before their armies grew too strong
• Germany, despite this, responded to Austria-Hungary on 5th July with a promise that ‘Austria can rest assured that His Majesty will faithfully stand by Austria Hungary as is required by the obligations of its alliance’
• Russia was unlikely to allow its client state, Serbia, to be attacked without responding, and Russia’s involvement would likely prompt French and perhaps British involvement
• This promise made by Germany became known as a ‘blank cheque’ as it is implied that Germany would back Austria-Hungary in whatever actions the Empire chose to take