What was the significance of German aggression in causing major war in Europe in 1914?

(INTRO) Since the War Guilt Clause of the Treaty of Versailles, the responsibility of German aggression in causing major war in Europe has been widely debated. Whilst it is generally agreed that Germany carries a great deal of responsibility for the outbreak of war in 1914, blame cannot be solely placed on Germany without first assessing her intentions, and acknowledging the role of other countries. Article 231 caused a great amount of controversy; it was not only a humiliation for Germany, but the reparations “placed a tremendous economic burden on a state that had itself suffered massive devastation in the war”. Thus, some historians sought to disprove the notion of a war caused by the “aggression of Germany her allies”, suggesting Germany acted in defence, as Bethmann Hollweg claimed, Germany’s neighbours had ‘forced the sword’ into her hands, whilst others have blamed Germany’s aggressive and expansionist policy. Perhaps the most accurate explanation is that the willingness amongst many in Germany to pursue a war, paired with the fatalism in Europe that war was unavoidable, was the most significant cause of major war in Europe in 1914.