Known as the Great War or the “war to end all wars,” World War I spanned from 1914 to 1918 and involved most of the nations of Europe along with Russia, the United States, the Middle East, and other countries around the globe. The war pitted the Central Powers—Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy and Turkey—against the Allies—France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy (Italy switched sides in 1915), Japan, and, from 1917, the United States. The war can be traced back to five main causes, militarism, alliances, nationalism, imperialism, and an assassination. As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in the size of their military and Great Britain saw a massive increase in the size of their navy. (Kelly) This enormous expansion of the armed forces otherwise known as militarism in most countries was a huge factor in the start of the war. During this same period countries were also forming treaties of assistance and by 1914 two mutual defense alliances had been created, The Triple Entente and The Triple Alliance. Nationalism was also a major factor in the rising tensions in Europe Ethnic groups such as the Serbs in the Austro Hungarian Empire wanted their own nation state which ultimately led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the Austrian throne), everything came crashing down and World War I began. The war ultimately ended with the defeat of the Central Powers. The U.S. along with many other nations stayed neutral throughout the beginning of the war before having to finally enter it. The decision by the United States to stay neutral during World War I was a brilliant tactical decision that, prevented the massive loss of American lives, caused substantial g...
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World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, and had a huge impact on the world throughout the twentieth century. This conflict is commonly referred to as the Great War and primarily involved Europeans. Although, other countries, particularly European colonial holdings, did participate. Before World War I began, no one expected such a destructive conflict, as many nations approached the idea of war with enthusiasm. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, European nations began to expand their colonial holdings, strengthen their militaries, and in 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot. The primary cause of World War I was nationalism, as European imperialism, militarism, and the assassination of Ferdinand are examples of nationalism
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World War I is marked by its extraordinary brutality and violence due to the technological advancement in the late 18th century and early 19th century that made killing easier, more methodical and inhumane. It was a war that saw a transition from traditional warfare to a “modern” warfare. Calvary charges were replaced with tanks; swords were replaced with machine guns; strategic and decisive battles were r...
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In his book, “Woodrow Wilson Revolution, War, and Peace” by Arthur Link, Link walks step by step through President Woodrow Wilson’s career beginning from the time he was born and focuses on his role during and after World War I. Through his entire book, Link acts as an apologist for the actions of Wilson as well as argues against the opinions of other historians. Link speaks about Wilson almost as if he idolizes him; as if despite what other historians and public opinion might say that he can do no wrong.
World War one started with the assassination of the Austrian emperor's nephew, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, on June 18, 1914, while they were visiting Sarajevo, part of the Austria-Hungary Empire, the province of Bosnia Herzegovina. The assassination by a Serbian Nationalist caused the Austria Hungary Empire to plan to start war against Serbia. Instead of reacting quickly to the incident, Austria Hungary made sure to have a treaty with Germany. This allowed Serbia to create a treaty with Russia. Russia also had a treaty with France and Britain. Austria Hungary declared war on the July 28, 1914, over a month after the assassination. By then most of Europe was involved. The two main sides of this war were the allied forces, and the central powers. The allied forces consisted of France, UK, and Russia, and the central powers were Germany and Austria Hungary. WW1 was from 1914 to 1919, resulting in 10 million military deaths, and 20 million injured. Originally, the allied forces wanted the United States to join the war, but the US was neutral. However, two events changed this opinion. In 1915, a German U-boat sunk the British Ocean liner RMS Lusitania. This was a neutral passenger ship, and the Americans were furious when it was sunk, as 159 of the passengers were American. Also, in 1917, Mexico was sent a coded message from Germany, which was intercepted by the British and shown to the US. The message promised sections of US land in return for entering the war on the German side. On April 6, 1917, the US entered the war. Russia, during this time, was planning on getting out of the war. In 1917, a revolution happened, removing the czar from power. The new communist government wanted to focus on intern...
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There were many factors that led to the initial outbreak of World War I in Europe. A constant struggle to gain the upper hand in the “balance of power” existed, and it resulted in the formation of many alliances between European nations. For the most part, these agreements stipulated that the nations would aid one another if one of them were to be attacked by an enemy. Eventually two distinct sides formed: the Allies and the Central Powers. The former consisted of Britain, France, Italy, and Japan, while the latter was made up of Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and what was left of the Ottoman Empire.
World War one was one of the most deadly war that only lasted four years long from 1914 to November 1918. It was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. In the matter of one month events had gone out of control. By August 1, 1914, armies across Europe were squared off against each other. By late 1918 10 million soldiers and civilians were dead and 20 million were wounded. It is important to try to understand the underlying cause of this tragedy. In other words three basic causes that were responsible were network alliances, a build up of arms and imperialism.
World War 1...what is it? Normally when you think about it you must be wondering how on earth am I still alive! World War 1 was also known as The Great War that took place from 1914-1918 within most parts of Europe. Within this informative essay I will be talking about the features, the results, the end, and how World War 1 changed the lives of the Europeans.
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In conclusion, Militarism, Imperialism, Nationalism, Alliances, and Assassinations all contributed to cause the World War 1 in 1914. World War 1 was four long and terrible years, which took millions of people lives. In addition, many soldiers died while fighting along the Western and Eastern Fronts. One month after Archduke Franz was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in 1914. The World War 1 wouldn’t had happened with the three main and most important cause which are, militarism, imperialism, and