Causes of World War 1 - Desklib

This article explores the multiple factors that had aggravated the agitation and accelerated the initiation of war. It discusses the rise of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. It also covers America's involvement and the Treaty of Versailles. References are included.

Running head: CAUSES OF WORLD WAR 1
Causes of World War 1
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CAUSES OF WORLD WAR 1
On June 27, 1914, the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand was
assassinated along with her wife. Even after hundred years of this unfortunate event, it has been
regarded as an immediate and prominent reason behind the World War 1. It is popularly known
that Franz Ferdinand was killed in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist. Exactly after a month
Austria-Hungary waged war upon Serbia. However, the reason behind the Great War cannot be
this single incident. It can be said that the incident was the necessary spark upon the multiple
factors that can be considered as burning issues of that time. The discussion will hence focus on
the multiple factors that had aggravated the agitation and accelerated the initiation of war.
It has been considered by the historians that the rise of nationalism is one of the primary
causes behind the Great War. Historians have pointed out that during that time the nationalist
groups present both in Austria-Hungary and Serbia were greedy for their independence. In this
regard, the desires for independence of the Slavic people of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to be
considered as of having great significance. It has been noticed that during that time the Slavic
community were showing their unrest regarding their independence. These people were no more
willing to be a part of Austria Hungary. They wanted to be part of Serbia instead. This had
directly created a turmoil amongst the European society (Desai, 2013). It has been notice that
Serbia was supporting the demands of these Slavic people whereas Austria Hungary tried to
suppress the demand. The incident of assassination of Franz Ferdinand can be regarded as
significant in this regard, as it have shown the stronger possibilities of revolt from the Slavic
people of the country. The incident was an indication of their rising power and their capability to
defy the norms and rules of the Austrian government.
Another significant factor that has accelerated the war is the rising imperialism. During
this time the European countries were deeply engaged in widening their territory. It has been

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widely known that during that time, major parts of Africa and parts of Asia were under the rule
of multiple European countries. Not only that, this high aim of extending their territory had
eventually gave out ways of competition amongst the countries. England, Germany, France and
Denmark were some of the most prominent names in this competitions (Strachan, 2014).
Historians have pointed out that the increasing competition of claiming the vast raw materials
and natural resources present in the African and Asian countries are the major reasons behind the
Great War.
Another important factor that can be regarded as another important cause behind the
Great War is the rise of militarism. Historians have rightly noticed that along with the advent of
20th century, the major powers were involved in the race of increasing their arms. Eventually this
led to showing the obtained powers and engaging in rivalry (Joll & Martel, 2013). It can be
noticed that at that time, the Great Britain as well as Germany have extended their navies
significantly. As pointed out many of the prominent socialists and historians, this rising
militarism was one of the most prominent causes of the World War 1.
However, in this context it is noticeable that the United States remained neutral at the
initial stages of the war. At the very onset of the war, the US government declared their
neutrality. Historians claimed that in the initial stages of the war, America did not feel threatened
by the chain of events that was taking place (Yapp, 2014). Moreover, the United States aimed at
maintaining its trade alliance with both the Central Powers and the Entente Powers. Hence, the
country aimed at maintaining a diplomatic approach towards the war by not getting directly
involved in it.

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However, it has been noticed that the submarine attacks on the American merchant ships
as well as passenger ships by German submarines had instigated US to wage war against German
(Winter, 2014). In addition to this, a number of events had initiated the flame. One of the
prominent reason behind it was the telegram that was send from Germany to Mexico. The
telegram was sent to Mexico in order to ask them to engage in war against America.
Another significant reason behind engaging in the Great War by America was the
potential economic gain by the country. It has been noticed that the Allied forces have borrowed
a significant amount from the United States (Herwig, 2014). Sociologists have pointed out that
exports to the Allied forces have increased significantly after US got involved in the Great War.
The incident of dock explosion in the year 1916 is another significant reason behind America’s
involvement in the war.
At the end of the Big War, in June 1919 the Treaty of Versailles was brought in order to
establish a peace treaty (Mombauer, 2013). As the war between the allies and Germany, the role
of America is to be considered as highly important. Moreover, the president of Woodrow Wilson
was considered important. The president championed the establishment of the League of
Nations. It has been noticed that President Wilson’s second term was mostly dominated by the
Great War. Historians pointed out that America’s participation was one of the primary reasons
behind the victory of the allied powers. Hence, it can be said that the role of America and
President Wilson helped in the process of negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles. However, it has
been noticed that the failure of Versailles treaty has greatly affected the German government as it
was forced to sign the treaty despite its severe protest.

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To conclude it can be said that the Big War has left a huge impact on the major forces of
the world. As a result of the Great War, it can be said that both Germany and the Allied forces
witnessed political and social changes that have left everlasting impression upon the world.

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Reference
Desai, R. (2013). Geopolitical economy: After US hegemony, globalization and empire (the
future of world capitalism). London: Pluto Press.
Herwig, H. H. (2014). The First World War: Germany and Austria-Hungary 1914-1918. A&C
Black.
Joll, J., & Martel, G. (2013). The origins of the first world war. Routledge.
Mombauer, A. (2013). The origins of the First World War: controversies and consensus.
Routledge.
Strachan, H. (Ed.). (2014). The Oxford Illustrated History of the First World War: New Edition.
Oxford University Press.
Winter, J. M. (2014). Socialism and the Challenge of War (RLE The First World War): Ideas
and Politics in Britain, 1912-18. Routledge.
Yapp, M. (2014). The Near East Since the First World War: A History to 1995. Routledge.