p. 1 | Why This War? by E. T. Russell

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 13, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 15.

Why This War?

By E. T. Russell

Is It Armageddon?—It Came as a Series of Explosions—It Stands Without a Precedent

By E. T. Russell

This is the first section of an article in two parts by Elder E. T. Russell. In this section he presents, in a vivid way, the series of explosions that have produced the conflagration of war in Europe. Next week he will present more in detail the part that Russia is acting, telling of her determined designs on Constantinople, and also of the significance of driving the Turk out of Europe.

EDITOR.

The greatest conflict of the ages is now in progress on European soil. In comparison with the present struggle, the Hannibalic and the Napoleonic wars were limited both as to territory and also as to numbers involved. To-day more than one half of the area of the earth is drawn upon for men and means, and is therefore directly interested in this, the most terrible catastrophe in the history of nations.

While this calamity was expected by some, to the majority of people it came as suddenly as the belching forth of a volcano. In fact, it came at an unexpected moment, as many were confident that they were entering a period of world-wide peace. From the Peace Palace at The Hague had gone forth a suggestion of international disarmament and arbitration, and to many it was evidence that the vulture of war would soon give way to the dove of peace.

When the war cloud suddenly appeared, darkened by human hate and selfishness, and broke into a storm through the passions of national rancor, then the world stood aghast, and an anxious cry sounded forth from lips everywhere, “Is this Armageddon?”

Is It Armageddon?

It is not Armageddon; but when we consider the extent of the conflict, and the rapidity of mobilization, and the millions engaged in mortal combat, it is evidence to the careful observer that when the clock of prophecy and of time strikes the hour of Armageddon, the masses of earth will soon be marshaled for the final struggle, in which will be manifested religious fanaticism and both racial and national hatred.

A Theory Exploded

The oft repeated statement that the best way to insure peace is to prepare for war, has met its Waterloo in this, the world's great cataclysm. Rulers and statesmen are awakened as from a deep sleep; and to many, this war appears as a horrid nightmare. They realize that they have been cherishing vain hopes. The large standing armies, strong fortifications, formidable navies, and myriads of airships, in which they trusted, have proved an unsafe insurance against war. In fulfillment of the prophetic declaration of Jehovah, neutral nations, as well as those involved in the present struggle, are constantly preparing for war. See Joel 3:9.

Before Bismarck, the iron chancellor of Germany, had conceived the idea of the Triple Alliance, there was in Europe what was termed the “Concert of Powers.” This was formed to hold back any government from becoming a menace to the welfare of Europe, as was France under the strong leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte.

But Bismarck had visions he was confident would mean much for Germany; and through the influence of his great intellect, his hopes were realized in the formation of the threefold alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy, in which they were all bound together in a single bundle. These alliances were thus formed in the interest of national self-protection.

Contrary to Prejudice

Austria was allied with Germany, contrary to national prejudice. In the year 1864, Germany and Austria engaged in a successful war against Denmark, and took from her the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, Germany taking Schleswig, and Austria taking Holstein. Not being content with having gained possession of Schleswig, Bismarck, shortly after the war, offered Austria twelve million dollars for Holstein. This offer was unfavorably considered by Austria. Two years after the war against Denmark, in the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, called “the Six Weeks War,” Austria was humbled by the Prussian cannon, and sued for peace on the battle field of Sadova.

Then Germany took Holstein as a spoil of the war; and after the Franco-Prussian war, Bismarck, realizing that as a result of the various conflicts, there would be national rancor and hatred, sought an alliance that he felt would prove a bulwark to his country's safety. In the accomplishment of his hopes, he brought the power of his giant personality to bear on

Austria-Hungary, and convinced Austria that it was to her interest to unite with that government which only twelve years before had humbled and despoiled her. He also approached Italy, and influenced her to become a member, with Austria and Germany, of what is now known as the “Triple Alliance.”

Another Unnatural Union

On account of national and commercial prejudices, there is scarcely anything in common between the Italians and the Austrians. Thus another unnatural union was formed, and that is a strong reason why Italy is not engaged in the present conflict, on the side of Germany and Austria.

On the northern borders of the Adriatic Sea lie the Trentino, Istria, and Dalmatia. These provinces Austria has appropriated to herself, to the great prejudice of her Italian neighbors, as they feel that these provinces contain certain seaport towns which should be turned to Italy.

Since the commencement of the war, it has been published in the American dailies that Germany has assured Italy that if she will not enter the conflict on the side of the allies, the Trentino shall certainly be given her.

As soon as the Triple Alliance was formed, France and Russia were placed on the anxious seat; and they in turn formed a dual alliance, and were soon joined by England, making “the Triple Entente.” This alliance was designed as a barrier to the first, so that neither Germany, Austria, nor Italy should be able to gain control of any territory or interest that would prove a menace to the welfare of either Russia, France, or Great Britain.

These nations thus became allies contrary to national prejudices. Prior to the war of the Crimea of 1853-56, England and France had been bitter enemies, and had often faced each other on the battle field. Also Russia was considered in an unfriendly light by both England and France, and often they had thwarted her purposes and met her in mortal combat on the field of strife. But in this coalition for self-interests, Waterloo and Sebastopol were forgotten; and to outward appearances, old-time enemies were made friends.

A Series of Powder Magazines

Bismarck’s hopes are still unfulfilled. Instead of the present alliances safeguarding the interests of Germany or of Europe, they have greatly increased complications. A certain writer likens the present alliances to a series of powder magazines; as one explodes, it explodes the others. The first explosion in connection with this present catastrophe took place in Austria-Hungary. The Austrian magazine was fired by the assassination of the archduke Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the throne of Austria-Hungary, at Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, on June 28, 1914.

On July 23, Austria presented to Servia certain demands, with a time limit of only forty-eight hours. On July 25, Servia replied to the Austrian demands. On July 26, Germany warned other powers not to interfere with Austria in dealing with Servia. Sir Edward Grey, British foreign secretary, suggested to the powers that they send representatives to London to discuss means to avert war. On July 28, Germany and Austria refused the request of Sir Edward Grey, and Austria declared war on Servia. On July 29, Austria bombarded Belgrade, the capital of Servia, and Russia began to mobilize her army. Germany also prepared for mobilization. July 30, Germany demanded of Russia that her mobilization cease. July 31, by imperial decree, a state of war was declared throughout Germany. August 1, Germany declared war on Russia. August 2, German troops entered the duchy of Luxemburg. German troops also appeared before the Belgian frontier, and demanded a passage through to France. August 3, war was declared between France and Germany. Germany invaded Belgium, and Belgium appealed to England to stand by her pledge to maintain Belgian neutrality. August 4, England declared war on Germany. August 6, Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia. August 8, Portugal proclaimed herself an ally of England. August 10, France declared war on Austria-Hungary. August 12, England declared war on Austria-Hungary. August 13, Japan sent an ultimatum to Germany. November 14, Turkey proclaimed a holy war, and entered the conflict on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Such Explosions Never Before

Thus one explosion followed another in rapid succession. The like has never been witnessed since the world began. Never before have such large armies been marshaled; never before have such long battle fronts been drawn; never before have so many death-dealing weapons been brought into action; never before has such universal carnage been witnessed. Heavenly messengers could well proclaim, “Woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth.”

Greed, Rapine, and Madness

It would be difficult to determine, in every particular, the various causes that have led to the present conflict. But it is evident that a desire for national self-preservation, a lust for power, and a longing desire for increased territory, and national fear that injury or loss might come to commercial interest, have had much to do in producing the awful results we are now witnessing on Europe’s blood-stained fields. It is largely the same old story of greed and rapine.