preview

Essay on cause of world war

Decent Essays

Cause of World War I

Unlike World War II, the causes of World War I are not as clear cut.

Historians say the war had been building up for some time prior to

1914. The "Great War" was not caused by megalomaniacs hungry for power

as in the case of Mussolini and Hitler during World War II. The

origins are more complex.

First one is the alliance Systems The causes can be explained,

more in political terms than human terms.

From the end of the Franco-Prussian War, a system of

secret alliances developed in Europe. This eventually split the

continent into two hostile sides. Because so many different powers

were involved in mutual defense agreements, when the war did happen,

it involved nearly every country of …show more content…

In addition, before the conflict happened,

the militaries of each country had drawn up complete plans

for mobilization. These plans only awaited the go-ahead signal.

The existence of secret battle plans stimulated espionage,

which in turn aroused greater hatred and fear.

Thirdly the nationalistic Beliefs Strong feelings of nationalism

fed the fires of hatred in pre-war Europe.

It turned Frenchman against German and

Russian against Austrian. Nationalistic speeches and writings

(especially in countries like Germany) hastened the war by painting it

as the best test for proof of national superiority.

These general causes created an atmosphere in Europe which made war a

likelihood. The spark which ignited the flame and transformed these

underlying problems into a frenzy of hostilities happened in the

Balkans. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria was

assassinated while visiting Sarajevo. At first, it appeared to be

another Balkan crisis that might pass without a major disturbance, but

a month later, Austria severed relations with Serbia, a move that

preceded war by only a few days.

Germany stood back of Austria's actions, while Russia stepped forward

to defend it small Balkan friend. Despite frantic efforts by would-be

peacemakers to localize the war, it spread rapidly, involving next

France and Belgium, and soon Great Britain. As the world looked on,

Europe erupted into war

Get Access