Causes of the First World War

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What were the causes of the first world war? Many people believe, that the First World War was caused by the assassination of the heir to the empire of Austria-Hungry, Arch-Duke Franz Ferdinand. However, I believe, there were many other more important causes that could have started the war. For example: the rivalry of countries, the alliances (Triple Entente and Triple Alliance), the industries of Britain and Germany, Militarism, Rivalry and many more. Firstly, Germany was trying to expand its empire, and Britain and France had large empires. Therefore, as Germany became more power it also wanted an empire. Britain and France did not want this, as a big German empire was a threat to both Britain and France’s Empires. Thus, this made Germany a rival of both Britain and France. Secondly, the rivalry of Russia and Austria-Hungry, both countries wanted control of the Balkans. Russia tried to control the Balkans by helping the Slav people gain independence from Austria-Hungry. Austria-Hungry wanted to stop the Serbs helping the Slav people gain independence. Consequently, a rivalry between Austria-Hungry and Russia was formed. Thirdly, Britain had been leading the world’s industry for many years. By 1914 Germany was producing more coal, iron, steel and cars than Britain. Britain saw Germany as a major rival and its growing wealth and power as a potential threat to its wealth and power. As a result, the rivalry of Germany and Britain heightened. On the other hand, some poeple believed this was the most important cause of the war: on June 28th 1914, the heir to the Austria-Hungarian empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assinated along with his wife, while touring the streets of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. The assassin ... ... middle of paper ... ...etween each other, and the alliances contributed to this, by all of the major powers stepping all in because their ally needed help (this was the most important and most major cause of the first world war happening). I also believe that the assination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was only a minor cause and put together with all the others caused the First World War. Austria-Hungry had had enough of Serbia (they were trying to unite Slav people and they killed their Archduke). So then Austria-Hungry’s allies, Germany and Italy, stepped in to help. Russia too stepped in to help Serbia, and with that Russia called in its allies: Britain and France. Furthermore, the rivalry of Britain and France between Germany was very high, Germany was getting powerful, so Britain and France were very happy to help Russia when Germany stepped in to help Austria-Hungry.

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