Major Causes of World War 1
People believe that one of the 'major' causes of world war one was the assassination of Arch-duke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist, by the name of Garvilo Princip. but that is not the case, while there was a different chain of events that directly lead to the fighting, the actual root causes are much deeper. These are the major reasons that are cited as the root causes of world war 1.
Alliances:
Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. meaning, if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Before World War 1, the following alliances existed:
Russia and Serbia
Germany and Austria-Hungary
France and Russia
Britain and France and Belgium
Japan and Britain
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia. France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war with Australia and New Zealand. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies.
2. Imperialism
Imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of controversy amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.
3. Militarism
As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military build-up. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy. This increase in
Alliances:
Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. meaning, if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Before World War 1, the following alliances existed:
Russia and Serbia
Germany and Austria-Hungary
France and Russia
Britain and France and Belgium
Japan and Britain
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia. France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war with Australia and New Zealand. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies.
2. Imperialism
Imperialism is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of controversy amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.
3. Militarism
As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military build-up. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy. This increase in