Question

With reference to the First World War, answer the following questions:
(a) How was the war fought between 1914 and 1918 different from other wars?
(b) How did the Balkan Crisis lead to the First World War?
(c) How was the Sarajevo Crisis responsible for the First World War?

Answer 1

a) In 1914, a war began in Europe which soon engulfed almost the entire world with battles fought not only in Europe but also Asia, Africa and the Pacific. This was was different from the wars fought earlier in terms of its scale and its repercussions or effects that lasted after the war. As far as the scale was concerned it was fought on a worldwide scale because of which it affected countries around the world. During this war, new methods of defence and destruction were used which were never used in any other war that was fought before. Also in the wars fought earlier, the civilian population was not involved. This was saw a huge loss of civilian population. It was a turning point in the history of the world. Because of the unprecedented extent of its spread, impact and damage and its total nature, it is known as the First World War.

b) The east European region under the empire of Turkey was known as the 'Balkan Area.' Due to geographical importance of this area, England, France and Russia interfered into the politics of this area. The people in this region had begun a national movement against Turkey rule. On knowing this, Russia began to exert pressure on Balkan region as the citizens of this region were slav by race. Russia was dreaming of a bigger slav nation. England and France felt that the route to Asia via Mediterranean sea would thus be endangered for their interest as they had colonies in Asia. The boundary of Austria-Hungary was touching the Balkan region. Austria saw this as an easy opportunity to expand her territories. Serbia was also wanting to expand her territories. They both were keen on Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the year 1908, a political revolution broke out in Turkey. Taking full advantage of this situation, Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina which were very much coveted by Serbia. This led to enmity between Austria and Serbia ultimately leading to World War 1.

c) Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary was assassinated at Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia on June 28, 1914. The assassination was organised by a secret society called 'Black Hand' formed by extremist Serbian nationalists whose aim was to unite all Serbians into a single Serbian state.

Austria served an ultimatum on Serbia on July 23 making eleven demands. Serbia accepted most of them except those that would have led to the loss of her sovereignty. Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. This was the immediate cause of the First World War.