(A) Militarism
(B) Alliances
(C) Tsar Nicholas
(D) ** Kaiser Wilhelm
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -The telegram effectively offered Austria-Hungary a ‘blank cheque’ in terms of German support for whatever action Austria-Hungary chose to take in punishing Serbia for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914.
Concept note-2: -July 5, 1914: Germany Gives Austria-Hungary a “Blank Check” The “blank check” is an infamous episode in the history of the First World War; the first truly fatal error made by Germany – a promise of unconditional support for whatever action Austria-Hungary might take to punish Serbia.
Concept note-3: -On July 5, 1914, Germany gave Austria a “blank cheque” in handling its punishment of Serbia regarding the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne. It led to the start of the First World War.
Concept note-4: -Germany pledged to support whatever decision Austria-Hungary made in regards to its conflict with Serbia. This is referred to as the “blank check.” This support emboldened Austria-Hungary to invade Serbia. They knew that Germany would be willing to go to war on their behalf if necessary.