This essay discusses the immediate cause for start of the first World War as well as the short and long term root causes. Besides, there will be analysis, whether this worldwide heinous conflict could have been avoided or not. Lastly, which nations are mainly responsible for the start of the first World War.
Causes
Undeniable to the immediate cause for the outbreak of the first World War is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. An angry dissatisfied Serbian-nationalist terrorist group, named the Black hand put a significant amount of planning into the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. When the driver of the open car with the royal couple made a wrong turn. Then a Black Hand member named Gavrilo Princip …show more content…
Some form of peace has existed in Europe due to the delicate power balance. However due to the rise of Militarism, and imperialism nationalism the balance, which existed in Europe was heavily distorted. Therefore, many countries were fearful for an attack. So most countries held secret meetings to discuss classified mutual defense alliances, to protect each other against threats. Because once a country was attacked or threatened, the allied countries would come to their aid. When after the the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia declared war on Austria Hungary to protect its ally. On the other side, Germany was an ally of Austria-Hungary and therefore declared war on Russia. Since France was again an ally of Russia, France declared war on Germany. When Germany crossed through neutral Belgium, to launch an attack against France, Britain joined the war since it had an agreement with Belgium. The collapse of the complicated structure of alliances caused more than 100 countries to participate in the war, even as far away as Japan, Bolivia, Canada and …show more content…
Most countries were prepping up their military power, national pride and empire before the start of the first World War. This led to a rise in aggressive nationalism and hatred and fear against other nations. Also the rapid accumulation of colonies in Africa and the race in armaments, fueled these sharp divisions even further. The key which triggered the outbreak of the war is undeniable to assassination of Franz Ferdinand. After the first war declaration the complex structure of alliances, turned this conflict into an unprecedented worldwide