Explain Why I Was Responsible For The First World War

World War I, which is otherwise known as the 'Great War,' has been the subject of debate between historians and history enthusiasts alike for over a century. There is no definitive evidence as to who was directly responsible for the outbreak of war among the Powers. The questions I have to ask myself are, “Who instigated the War to end all Wars?” and, “Who fired the first shot?” In this essay I will answer these questions to the best of my ability, as well as sharing my own thoughts and opinions on the matter, backing up my statements with historical evidence and facts.

World War I lasted between the years of 1914 and 1918, and originally started as a Civil War between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. This minor dispute expanded into a fully-fledged World War
when the Powers got involved. From 1914 to 1918, war raged on through most of Europe, leaving a trail of destruction and poverty in it's wake. The instigators of the war are debated between many professors of history. There is a possibility that it was the Germans, the Hungarians, the Serbians, or even the Russians. The War ran along the borders of, and through thirty-two different countries. These include the nations of Britain, France, Russia, Italy, the United States, Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria (otherwise known as the Triple Entente, and the Triple Alliance). As the War continued these two groups were pulled apart to defend their own countries.

There are many events leading up to the War which could suggest who, or rather what, is actually the main cause of it. On the 28th of June, 1914, Gavrilo Princip of Serbia assassinated Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, which many historians believe is the principal point or cause at which World War I started. Princip was a Serbian nationalist with ties to a secret military society, called the 'Black Hand,' and their assassination of the Archduke caused Austria to declare war on Serbia. Archduke Ferdinand was not a well-liked man, and his assassination was not unfounded. He had close ties to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, which would inevitably make him a few enemies, leading to his assassination by the 'Black Hand.'

There were many separate declarations of war before the actual outbreak of World War I. First, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, due to Archduke Ferdinand's assassination, as discussed earlier, and their repeated invasions of the country until the official War broke out. Then, on the 1st of August, and the 3rd of August, Germany declared War on Russia and France respectively. Lastly, Britain declared war on Germany on the 4th of August, 1914. I have discovered through my reasearch that many assume Germany is responsible for the start of World War I because of the numerous times it declared war first. The afore mentioned statement is not exclusively wrong, but there are still many angles to be considered.

Germany was not the only country who contributed to the War that ran through much of the world, although the blame for the 'War to end all Wars' has primarily been placed on her shoulders. Some argue that the Great War started when Britain declared war on Germany, or even when Germany declared war with Russia, (in order to honour her agreement with Austria-Hungary). Even before the World War started, Germany did declare war on several countries, including France and Russia, two of the major World Powers. Does that then mean that she was the direct cause of the War? Most people would agree, that yes, World War I is Germany's fault.

If you look a little further back, history indicates that Germany in fact offered Hungary her support and alliance in the hopes that a war would not break out. Which would lead us to believe that the Austrians are the ones to blame, as they gave Serbia a harsh ultimatum, causing them to retaliate. Ultimately, Austria-Hungary could be blamed for starting World War I, considering that they were the first ones to declare war, even if it were just against the nation of Serbia.

Russia was not without blame either.
Months before the war was declared, she was preparing for battle, saying that this preparation was due to their defeat in their war with Japan. They did not want to seem like they were a weak nation and “...would be considered a decadent state, and would henceforth have to take second place among the Powers...” as stated by the Russian Minister Sazonov. Russia was the first to mobilize their forces causing France, Germany, and Britain to be pulled into the War. Making Russia the first nation to actually instigate an international war, which was a contribution to the start of World War I. Britain also contributed to the Great War by declaring war on Germany on the 4th of August, 1914. They refused to ignore the fact that Germany had attacked France by travelling through Belgium, which was a neutral country. World War I is one of the few Wars in which the United States of America started out as one of the small number of countries at expressed neutrality. Only joining the feud as late as 1917, when Germany did not honour their promise to not sink anymore ships that had American citizens aboard them. By that point, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war with
Germany.

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer as to who first started World War I, it is just a personal matter of opinion at this point. As I stated, the possible causes are seemingly endless. It could have been caused by the fact that Russia fired the first shot. It is also possible that Germany caused it, by declaring War on Russia, or Britain's declaration of War on Germany. Serbia's involvement does not go unnoticed, as their assassination of Archduke Ferdinand is one of the key components that contributed to the start of World War I. Although there are many angles to be considered, most place the blame on Germany, seeing as they were solely responsible for World War II. Many historians have debated hotly about who was the cause, most settling on the answer that it was in fact Germany.