The zeitgeist, spirit of the age, can often be radically changed or altered by the few or even one man at a particular point in time. In the late 1800s in our timeline, Germany it was set by Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Prussian Junkers who favored conservative autocratic monarchy and the empowerment of the newly formed German Empire. In their view Germany not only had to be powerful economically, but also show it's military muscle to obtain imperial gains abroad and promote Germany as the political center of Europe.
This zeitgeist, however was not inevitable for Germany. Indeed with the slight change of events could've prevented a conservative militaristic perspective from taking helm. This in turn could've very well prevented the antagonistic military build up, and both of the world wars. One likely scenario would be a dominant sustainably powerful Germany, one which in the OTL has never seen.
This zeitgeist, however was not inevitable for Germany. Indeed with the slight change of events could've prevented a conservative militaristic perspective from taking helm. This in turn could've very well prevented the antagonistic military build up, and both of the world wars. One likely scenario would be a dominant sustainably powerful Germany, one which in the OTL has never seen.