Causes of World One
What started out as a local European disturbance between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, ended up as the most horrific war in world history. Many textbooks say that Germany was the main cause of World War I, but there were many more factors that aided the start of this atrocious affair. The essence of nationalism that pervaded Europe throughout the 19th and into the 20th century also played a major factor, along with the political and economic rivalry among the nations, and two hostile military alliances. Germany may have played a vital role in commencing World War I, but by no means were they the solitary force. One of the main causes of World War I was the "spirit of intense nationalism". After, the French Revolution, most of Europe learned about the idea of political democracy, bringing about the idea that people of the same ethnic origin, language and political morals had the right to independent states. Many countries began to believe in this system of division. Several peoples who wanted national independence were categorized into nations. For example, the German people were left divided into numerous territories. Italy was also left divided into many parts, some of which were under foreign control and t
With Europe divided into two hostile alliances, any disagreements in political or military decisions forced an international dispute. One major crisis in Morocco occurred in 1911, when the German government sent a warship to Agadir in protest against French efforts to obtain domination in Morocco. After threats of war on both sides, the matter was handled by a conference at Agadir. Taking advantage of the concern of the Great Powers with the Moroccan crisis, Italy declared war on Turkey in 1911. Because Germany was obliged to help Turkey, the Italian attack weakened the triple alliance and encouraged its enemies. The Balkan Wars of 1912-13 left Serbia wanting parts of Austria-Hungary, which at the time, was inhabited by Slavic people. This strengthened the Austro-Hungarian suspicion of Serbia, and left Bulgaria and Turkey, both defeated in the wars, with a desire for revenge. Germany, disappointed because the Balkan Wars deprived Turkey of its European territory, increased the! blem of nationalism was still unresolved in other areas of Europe, resulting in tensions both within the regions involved and between various European nations. Rothnie, Niall. (1991). Nationalism in Germany. London: Macmillan Publishing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The spirit of nationalism was also seen in economical conflicts. The Industrial Revolution, which took place in Great Britain at the end of the 18th century, followed in France in the early 19th century, and then in Germany after 1870, caused a massive increase in resources of each country creating a need for foreign markets. The main reason for Europeans economic expansion was Africa, where most of their products were being sent. Here, many of the countries frequently fought. Several times between 1898 and 1914 the economic rivalry in Africa between Germany, France and Great Britain, almost started a European war on it's own. Wolfson, Robert and John Laver. (1996). Years of Change, Europe 1890-1945. New York: Hodder & Stoughton. Historian, A. Adams3 believes that Germany was without doubt the main cause of the war, but did not consider any other events that took place. The assassination created a large amount of aggression between already rival countries, when Germany had nothing to do with it! Cook, Chris
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Approximate Word count = 1567
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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