September Programme

© Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Reich Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg

On 9 September 1914, Reich Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg enunciates German war objectives in the so-called September Programme. He declares the annexation of Belgium, northern France, and the Baltic region to be particularly important. Furthermore, a comprehensive „European economic zone“ under Berlin’s control should be formed, and a German colonial empire should be established in Central Africa.