First World War

First World War was not one continental war it was a war fought in every continent on its intensity. Moreover, it was the first general conflict between highly organized states. Thoroughly, it was the first war scale large enough to dislocate that international economy which had grown up during the nineteenth century.

Background history:

The war which began in 1914, was in many ways entirely novel in human history. Previous wars, such as the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, had involved as many states. Its original objectives were soon overlaid with the many others. Even the avowed aims of belligerents changed as its course prolonged.

Events leading to  WW1:

Britain and Germany:

In the historical perspective, Britain had not worsened relations with Germany as compared to France and Russia. Even Britain had co-operated with Germany over Africa, and in 1878 Bismarck had supported Britain against Russia. Additionally, Queen Victoria was also strongly in favor of friendship between Britain and Germany. After the dismissal of Bismarck by Kaiser, William II seemed Britain as the future enemy.  Most of his statements showed the intent of attack on Britain’s naval supremacy. Thus, Britain also had serious concern over German’s plan for the Berlin-Baghdad railway that German was to control Egypt and India.

The Dual Alliance of France and Russia 1893:

            After the dismissal of Bismarck, Kaiser William II deliberately ignored Russia and made no effort to keep on good terms with her. As Kaiser’s government prevented loans to Russia, France got the benefits from that German action. She granted many more loans to Russia. Russian czars were thankful for the assistance. To make further friendly relations, France and Russia formed a dual alliance in 1893 to counterweight German’s triple alliance. By the term of the dual alliance, in case of an attack on France or Russia by a third power then they would support each other.

Anglo-Japanese alliance 1902:

Britain worried about the Russian expansion, and she had a little bit of hope that Germany would warn Russia off her policy. On the flip side, Germany had done nothing about that expansion. Britain did not satisfied with the German government attitude so that she look for an ally in the Far East who could resist German and Russian expansion. Japan at that time fitted in well with Britain's objectives, and in 1902 alliance was signed between two governments. 

 Imperialism:

Imperialism is when a country expands its influence and power into a large empire. Some European nations, for example, France and Britain, had made huge overall domains and had gotten exceptionally rich. Other European nations, for example, Russia and Germany needed to make their own tremendous realms. This caused rivalry and strife between a significant number of nations all through the world.

The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated in Sarajevo. The Austria government believed that the assassination was organized by the Serbian government. They also saw this as an opportunity to regain control of Serbia.

Austria-Hungary declares war

Austria-Hungary issued a number of harsh demands on Serbia, threatening to invade if Serbia did not comply. They gave them 48 hours to respond. When Serbia's response fell short of the demands, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28.

Who was to blame?

Historians over the years have tried to figure out who was really to blame for starting the war. Many historians today agree that Germany wanted to start the war. The German leaders felt that they were being surrounded by enemies (France, Russia) and that war was going to happen eventually. They felt that the sooner the war occurred, the better chance Germany had to win.

Interesting Facts about the Causes of World War I

• Germany quickly attacked France, hoping to conquer France in the west before they had to fight the Russian army in the east.
• Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s the major powers in Europe had been building up their armies and navies in an arms race.
• In the beginning, both sides believed that the war would be over before the end of the year.
• The British had the largest empire which included India, Australia, Canada, and much of Africa.
• The United States was neutral at the start of the war and hoped to stay out of the war.