The Role of Family Ties in the Outbreak of World War I

At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the kings of Britain, Russia, and Germany were all first cousins. This fact may seem surprising, but it is a result of the close family ties that existed within Europe’s royal families at the time.

All three kings were great-grandsons of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who was known for her strong personality and ability to influence the actions of her family members. Her son, King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, was the father of King George V of the United Kingdom, who was the first cousin of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

Despite their family connection, the three kings found themselves on opposite sides of the conflict during World War I. The war, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, involved many of Europe’s major powers and ultimately resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

When asked about the war, Kaiser Wilhelm II is said to have sarcastically remarked, “If my grandmother [Queen Victoria] had been alive, she would never have allowed it.” This comment highlights the irony of the situation, as Queen Victoria was known for her strong will and ability to influence the actions of her family members. However, she was not able to prevent the outbreak of a war that involved several of her descendants.

The family connection between the three kings did not ultimately prevent the outbreak of World War I, but it is a fascinating aspect of the conflict that highlights the close ties that existed within Europe’s royal families at the time.