Septemberprogramm

The Septemberprogramm (zɛpˈtɛmbɐpʁoˌɡʁam, literally "September Program") was a memorandum authorized by Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg of the German Empire at the beginning of World War I (1914–18). It was drafted on 9 September 1914 by the Chancellor's private secretary, Kurt Riezler, in preparation of peace negotiations at a time when Germany expected to defeat France quickly and decisively on the Western front. The territorial changes proposed in the Septemberprogramm included making a vassal state of Belgium, annexing Luxembourg and portions of France, expanding German colonies in Africa, and increasing German influence in Eastern Europe at the expense of the Russian Empire. The Septemberprogramm gained great notoriety after it was discovered by historian Fritz Fischer, who wrote that it was based on the Lebensraum philosophy as well as the Drang nach Osten nationalist movement of the 19th century, which made territorial expansion Imperial Germany's primary motive for war. This interpretation has been controversial. The modern consensus among historians is that it was more of a discussion document, written well after the start of the war, and not a formally adopted government policy. The Septemberprogramm was a list of possible goals for Germany to achieve in the war: France should cede some northern territory, such as the iron-ore mines at Briey and possibly a coastal strip running from Dunkirk to Boulogne-sur-Mer, to Belgium or Germany. France should pay a war indemnity of 10 billion German Marks, with further payments to cover veterans' funds and to pay off all of Germany's existing national debt. This would prevent French rearmament for the next couple of decades, make the French economy dependent on Germany, and end trade between France and the British Empire. France would partially disarm by demolishing its northern forts. Belgium should become a vassal state and cede eastern parts and possibly Antwerp to Germany and give Germany military and naval bases. Luxembourg should be annexed and become a member state of the German Empire.

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