DBQ World War 1
World War 1 or ‘The Great War’ was a conflict between the central and allied powers in 1914-1918. It took place mainly in Europe and Italy but was later expanded into France, Germany, and the South of Turkey. The causes of World War 1 are still debatable today. However, some points of the War are more important to note than others. Likewise, not only did the Serbians assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand, but the development of militarism also proves to be a main cause as well. The struggle of imperialism was correspondingly apart of the cause too because it set up the scene for other wars to take place. This is why imperialism is so substantial in history when we reference the Great War. These causes led to a world of propaganda, 8.5 million deaths, rationing of food, and higher taxes. One of the first causes of World War 1 began on July 28th, 1914 when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The cause of this was because in Sarajevo Serbian, nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. The Austrians then were convinced it was the Serbian government turning against them. Austria-Hungarians then held demands against the Serbs such as: All books & newspapers criticizing Austrians will be banded, All Anti-Austrian teachers in Serbian schools are fired, and Serbia condemns propaganda against the Austria-Hungarians (Document 3). When Serbians refused they then began the war. The second cause was widespread of militarism. Many military elites, aristocrats, and dictators had control which caused many countries desperate for military power. Britain’s Royal Navy was stronger than both Austria and Germany together. They had thought the only way to gain control was to declare war on Britain’s Royal Navy, so they proceeded. The third cause was imperialism. Britain and France had both maintained control through trade with foreign countries; while Germany and Austria-Hungary’s resources were running low.