"The Alliance Treaty is sacred. Any nation that violates the treaty will be punished. Before the outbreak of the World War, the Austro-Hungarian Empire formed an alliance with the Empire. After defeating the enemy, they enjoyed the benefits of being victors. But now, for their own selfish interests, they have torn up the treaty without authorization, withdrawn from the alliance, and betrayed their allies. Such conduct is utterly immoral and shameless. The German Empire is ashamed to have such a nation as an ally. Moreover, for the Empire's interests, the German Empire will punish the Austro-Hungarian Empire and make them pay the price!" At the same time, German Emperor Qin Tian delivered a radio address to all citizens of the German Empire, explaining why the Empire had declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
To win the people's support, Germany naturally placed all the blame on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was as though the German Empire had truly been at a disadvantage and suffered an injustice. Only such words could stir the people's fury and win their support.
Qin Tian's approach undoubtedly succeeded. After the German Empire won the World War, its people began to see themselves as citizens of the world's foremost power. Their self-respect and confidence had both been greatly strengthened.
In the previous war, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had fought shoulder to shoulder with the Empire. Although its performance had been terrible, it had nevertheless pinned down many enemies for the German Empire, allowing the German Empire to secure victory in the later stages of the war. The Empire's people had remained friendly toward and grateful to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But when Franz Joseph I became gravely ill and ceased handling affairs of state, leaving Crown Prince Karl to manage national affairs, relations between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire