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Question

Discuss the main causes of the First World War.​

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Solution

Instructions:
  1. Begin the answer by stating that the outbreak of World War I was caused by a collaboration of multiple factors.
  2. Then, elaborate on the reasons​ that we learnt
    • Alliances​
    • Violent nationalism​
    • German aggression​
    • Germany-France rivalry​
    • Balkan conflicts​
    • Assassination of Austrian emperor​
Solution:
The first world war broke out due to the cumulation of multiple factors.​
  • Alliances in Europe: 20th century Europe was divided into two camps drawn from competition ​and nationalism. Britain, ​ France, and Russia formed Triple Entente ( allies) while Germany, Austria, and Italy formed Triple Alliance.​
  • Violent Nationalism: Military competition among the countries led to violent forms of nationalism. England’s jingoism, France’s chauvinism, and Germany’s Kultur were militant forms of nationalism that promoted hatred for each other.​
  • German aggression: Kaiser Wilhelm II, the emperor of Germany, was ruthlessly assertive and aggressive. The rapid expansion of the navy was perceived as a threat to Britain. This heightened the tension between the two European powers
  • France-Germany rivalry: The countries had an old rivalry. Upon that, Germany interfered in the Morocco question, which resulted in increased tension between the two.​
  • Balkan conflicts: Austria’s annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina aroused opposition from Serbia. As Germany supported Austria, it promised to go against Russia if Austria invaded Serbia and Russia tried to help them.​
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The killing of the titled Austrian emperor provided a solid reason for Austria to invade Serbia. The Austria-Serbia conflict prompted Germany to declare war against Russia. Because of the Russian-Franco alliance, Germany had to declare war against France too. Soon, Britain joined the war.​

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