The Causes Of World War I

The causes of the first world war are very ambiguous to many scholars who study the subject. The causes and origins are based entirely on interpretation and perspectives. There are many events in Europe that helped trigger the war, but not one particular event led to an outbreak. Contrary to a common perception of the origin of World War I, Russian policy and priorities in 1914 onward are the forefront reasons of a complete European War. Russian policy included some brilliant pre-war strategies that benefitted their social and political status amongst other countries in the world. Policies included becoming part of the triple entente alongside Britain and France, making drastic economic reforms, and creating a 1.3 million-man army. Because
Obruchev relayed his malevolent views on the alliance treaty between Germany and Austria-Hungary signed an alliance treaty in 1879. This treaty between Germany and Austria-Hungary had changed campaign plans for Russia and increased “the numbers of Russian forces together with the formation of reserve units, changes in their deployment and accelerated railway construction compelled the General Staff”. Following Russia’s response to the alliance treaty, Russia also ratified an agreement with France that stated Russia would assist France if they were to be attacked by Germany and France would do the same for Russia.The Entente Cordiale is a very important piece of legislation between the three main allied countries during World War I. In the beginning of the 20th century, Russia had experience two separate waves of reform; 1905-1908 and 1909-1912. First, the main reform was the army and navy structures such as State Defense Council and the Main
Russia had many allies with countries that are governed completely different than that of Russia. Russia, under Tsar Nicholas II, was a very agrarian society. Though Russia and its closest ally France shared many different ideological beliefs, their respected economies can best be described as a symbiotic relationship. Russia was “industrializing rapidly thanks in part to loans from France”. Russia was still living under an emperor and though serfdom was abolished in 1861, few peasants have prospered because of the significant gap between the rich and poor. After Russia’s loss to Japan in 1905, Nicholas II agreed to a limited constitutional monarchy and eventually ended their long-term rival with Britain. This is significant because it alienated Russia from colonizing into the far east where Britain has colonies. Because Russia entered into the Entente Cordiale, they abandoned their chances of colonizing anywhere except the Balkans. During this time period, Russia became steadily involved in the Balkan region. Austria-Hungary, who also saw potential for land expansion wished to take over countries Montenegro Bulgaria, and especially Serbia who was starting to be recognized as an international player. The people who inhabit these Balkan countries became increasingly upset at Austria-Hungary’s intervention because they associate themselves more with Russian