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What Caused World War 1 Essay

¶ … nations all over Europe made mutual defense treaties, which would pull them into war. These agreements implied that in case one nation was invaded, associated nations had to protect them. The following alliances existed prior to World War 1 (Kelly): Japan and Britain

Russia and Serbia

France and Russia

Germany and Austria-Hungary

Britain and France and Belgium

The Triple Alliance was created in 1882 by Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary. These three nations agreed to support one another in case of an attack from either Russia or France. France, in particular, felt intimidated by this alliance. The main aim of the alliance was to support collaboration against Germany's thought threat. After three years, Russia that was scared of the growth of the German Army, united with France and Britain, to create the Triple Entente (Triple Entente). Contrary to the Triple Alliance, the terms of the Entente did not need each nation to go to battle for the sake of others; however, they possessed a "moral obligation" to back one another. The government of Russia was also worried about Austria-Hungary's probability of increasing its empire size. It thus made promises to assist Serbia in case of an attack by the Triple Alliance members.

Imperialism refers to when a nation enhances its wealth and control, by bringing more regions under its power. Prior to World War 1, Africa together with various regions of Asia, were conflict points amidst the European nations. This was, in particular, as a result of the raw materials that could be offered by these regions. The rising competition and wish for greater empires resulted to a rise in confrontation that assisted in driving the world into World War 1. An arms race had already started by the time the world was entering the 20th century (Kelly). Germany possessed the most rise in military increase by 1914. Both Germany and Britain increased their...

In addition, particularly in Germany and Russia, the military establishment started to possess a lot of impact on public policy. This enhancement in militarism assisted in pushing the nations to engage in war.
Most of the war's origin was founded on the longing of Slavic individuals in Herzegovina and Bosnia to no more be part of Austria Hungary, but rather be a part of Serbia. In this particular way, nationalism directly resulted to the battle (Kelly). However, in a broader perspective, the nationalism of the different nations all over Europe plated a role in both the start and the extension of the war in Europe. Each and every nation attempted to prove its power and supremacy.

Britain gave Morocco to France in 1904, however, the Moroccans wished for their independence. Germany pronounced her support for Moroccan independence in 1905. War was barely avoided by a meeting that allowed France to retain ownership of Morocco. In 1911, however, the Germans once again disputed the ownership of Morocco by France. Britain backed France, and Germany was convinced to yield for a portion of the French Congo. Austria Hungary took over Bosnia, the former Turkish province, in 1908 (World War One -- Causes). This particular action made the Serbians angry. They felt that the province ought to be theirs. Austria-Hungary was threatened by Serbia with war, Russia, partnered with Serbia, mobilized its forces. On the other hand, Germany partnered with Austria-Hungary, mobilized its forces and got them ready to intimidate Russia. The backing down of Russia prevented the war. However, there was war in the Balkans amidst the years of 1911 and 1912, when the Balkan states chased Turkey from the region. The nations then fought against each other about the regions that should belong to a particular nation. Serbia was compelled to surrender some of its possessions after Austria-Hungary intervened. There was very high tension amidst…

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References

"Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated - Jun 28, 1914 - HISTORY.com." History Canada -- Videos, TV Schedule & Watch Full Episodes Online. Web. 14 Oct 2015. <http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/archduke-franz-ferdinand-assassinated>.

"First World War.com - Feature Articles - The Planning of the War." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 9 Oct 2015. <http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/plans.htm

Kelly, Martin. "Top 5 Causes of World War 1." Learn American History on About.com. Web. 9 Oct 2015. <http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwari/tp/causes-of-world-war-1.htm>.

"Triple Entente." Spartacus Educational. Web. 14 Oct 2015. <http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWentente.htm>.
"World War One - Causes -- HistoryOnTheNet." From Ancient Times to the 20th Century -- HistoryOnTheNet. 14 Aug 2014. Web. 9 Oct 2015. .
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