Analyse the causes of the first world war..in 500 words
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Answer:
World War 1 was a worldwide war that started in July 1914 and officially came to an end on November 11, 1918. The War had originated in Europe, and it gradually developed into a world war. Similarly known as ‘the war of all ends’, it led the mobilization of 70 million military personnel, which included 60 million Europeans making it one of the largest wars in history.
Tension among the European countries had been increased due to militarism, nationalism, imperialism and mutual defence alliances which served as major causes that led to the War.
Militarism is the trend towards developing military resources for both national defence and protection of colonial interest. As the world walked into the 20th century, a race of arms had begun. Germany, by 1914 had the greatest increase in their military build-up.
Both Great Britain and Germany increased their navies in this period. Further, in Russia and Germany, particularly the military establishment started to have a great influence on public policies. This increase in militarism pushed the countries to get involved in the War.
A major reason for the War was based on the desire of the Slavic people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to no longer be a part of Austria Hungary but rather be a part of Siberia. This is why nationalism directly led to the War. However, in a more general way, the nationalism of various European countries contributed not only to the beginning but also the extension of the War in Europe. Each country tried their level best in proving their dominance and power.
When a country increases its power and wealth by bringing in additional territories under their control, it is known as imperialism. Africa and parts of Asia, before World War 1, were points of dispute among the European countries. This was principally true because of the raw materials that these areas provide. The desire for greater empires and increasing competition led to an increase in the conflict that helped push the world towards the Great War.
Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defence alliances that eventually would pull them into battle. Treaties were signed, that meant that if one country was attacked that the other countries were bound to defend the country.
The immediate cause of World War 1 was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, which other points come to play. In June of 1914, the Black Hand a Serbian-nationalist terrorist group was sent to assassinate the Archduke.
They failed at their first attempt when the driver avoided the grenade thrown at their car. However, later the same day a Serbian nationalist GavriloPrincip assassinated the Archduke and his wife while they were in Sarajevo, Bosnia, a part of Austria Hungary. This was done in protest to Austria-Hungary having control over the region. Serbia wanted to take over Herzegovina and Bosnia.
Austria-Hungary announced war on Serbia as a result of this assassination. Russia began to mobilize its forces due to its alliance with Serbia when Germany declared war on Russia. Hence began the expansion of the War and all those countries involved in mutual defence alliances got involved.
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