一戰｜阿爾伯一世國王

資料A

以下取自一本歷史期刊。

英國人對戰爭的支持與他們對英國國際實力的擔憂有關。如果英國處於強勢地位，「和平」就很好。然而， 到了 1900 年，英國不再是世界第一強國，英國人民開始對此感到擔憂。此時，德國和美國的經濟生產都超過了英國，德國顯然是如此。與此同時，德國公海艦隊開始在與英國北海相望的威廉港集結(特別是在 1900 年德國國會通過《第二海軍法》之後)。英國公眾沒有心情去質疑他們在南非行動的合理性。

1906 年 1 月，法國和德國因摩洛哥而處於戰爭邊緣。法國人詢問英國人是否願意支持他們。內閣部長的一個內部小組授權兩國軍隊進行軍事會談。從這一點來看，短期內英國對非洲大陸的政策出現了明顯的差異。如果法國輸給德國，英國不會袖手旁觀。

資料B

以下取自阿爾伯特一世國王(比利時國王)1914年8月4日在比利時國會的發言。

自1839 年以來，比利時面臨著前所未有的嚴峻時刻：我們領土的完整受到了威脅。

先生們，我把你們召集在一起，是為了讓立法會能夠與人民共情，與人民犧牲的情感與訴求連繫一起。先生們，你們將會明白如何根據情況立即採取有關戰爭和公共秩序的所有措施。這個國家沒有人會不履行自己的責任。

如果外國人無視我們一貫嚴格遵守的中立，侵犯我們的領土，他會發現所有比利時人都會聚集捍衛主權，我們永遠不會背叛憲法的誓言，以及被賦予了整個國家信任的政府。我對我們的命運充滿信心；一個保衛自己的國家贏得了所有人的尊敬；這樣的國家是不會滅亡的！

(a) 你認為英國外交政策主要想達到什麼目的？根據資料A，解釋你的答案。

(4分)

(b) 總結阿爾伯一世國王在動員比利時軍隊抵禦入侵的一項原則。根據資料B，解釋你的答案。

(3分)

(c) 「第一次世界大戰的爆發是由國家之間的利益衝突促成的。」根據資料A及B，並就你所知，解釋你的答案。

(8分)

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Source A

The following is adapted from a history journal.

The support for British people for war is related to their concerns about the Britain's international power. When Britain was in a strong position, "peace" was favorable. However, by 1900, Britain was no longer the world's leading power, and the British people began to feel anxious about this. At the same time, both Germany and the United States had surpassed Britain’s economic production, with Germany being particularly prominent. Meanwhile, the Germany’s High Seas Fleet began to gather in Wilhelmshaven, facing the British North Sea (especially after the German parliament passed the Second Naval Law in 1900). The British public was not in the mood to question the legitimacy of their actions in South Africa.

In January 1906, France and Germany were on the brink of war over Morocco. The French asked the British whether they would be willing to support them. An internal group within the cabinet authorized military talks between the two countries. From this point, there was a clear shift in Britain's policy towards the African continent in the short term. If France were to lose to Germany, Britain would not stand by idly.

Source B

The following is adapted from the speech by King Albert I (King of Belgium) in the Belgian Parliament on 8thApril, 1914.

Since 1839, Belgium has faced unprecedented critical moments: the integrity of our territory has been threatened.

I have called you together, gentlemen, in order to enable the Legislative Chambers to associate themselves with the impulse of the people in one and the same sentiment of sacrifice. You will understand, gentlemen, how to take all those immediate measures which the situation requires, in respect both of the war and of public order. No one in this country will fail in his duty.

If the foreigner, in defiance of that neutrality whose demands we have always scrupulously observed, violates our territory, he will find all the Belgians gathered about their sovereign, who will never betray his constitutional oath, and their government, invested with the absolute confidence of the entire nation. I have faith in our destinies; a country which is defending itself conquers the respect of all; such a country does not perish!

(a) What do you think are mainly the purpose of Britain’s diplomatic policy? Explain your answer with reference to Source A.

(4 marks)

(b) Conclude one principle of King Albert I in mobilizing the Belgian army to resist invasion. Explain your answer with reference to Source B.

(3 marks)

(c) ‘The outbreak of the WWI was catalyzed by conflicts of interest between countries.’ Explain your answer with reference to Sources A and B, and using your own knowledge.

(8 marks)

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Answer