World War One
About the causes of World War One in a historical perspective. In addition, it discusses the fundamental causes of World War One such as Imperialism, conflict between alliances, Nationalism in the Balkans, as well as militarism. It highlights the complex factors behind World War One, which occurred after the July crisis.
The Nationalism in the Balkans is a crucial factor culminating in Russia and Britain to declare war against Germany as Russia supported Serbs and Germany supported Austria. As Germany implemented its Schlieffen Plan Britain was involved in the war. The nationalism is caused because Austria and Hungary had many different nations as less
than 50% was Hungarian or Austrian. As well, Slavs wanted to join with Serbs to have their own nation and Turkey, Russia, Austria and Hungary had interests in Balkans. As they had interests in Balkans nationalism by Serbs had the potential to cause war. In 1908 Austria annexed the provinces of Bosnia-Herzegovina fuelling slave nationalism. In 1912 Balkans league was created to attack Turkey. This led to the deteriorating relationship between Serbia, Austria and Hungary which caused Balkans wars. Yugoslavia created. This led Austrian generals to call for a quick war to crush Serbia.
As discussed above imperialism of the major powers, militarism of major powers, Schlieffen plan and nationalism led to the July crisis culminating in World war one. The events of July crisis led to world war one is as follows:
July 1914: Austrian authorities in Balkans.
Franz Ferdinand (Austrian) heir assassinated while in Bosnia by a Serbian terrorist.
This was used as an excuse to go war with Serbia if Russia supported Serbia.
Austria needed the support of Germany for the war with Serbia.
23rd July: Austria sent ultimatum to Serbia
28th July: Austria declared war against Serbia. Russia supports Serbia.
31st July: Russia mobilizes. Germany sends ultimatum to Russia to demobilize.
1st of August: Germany declared war. Schlieffen plan implemented.
2nd of August: Germany invades Luxembourg then Belgium
Germany invades Belgium after Belgium rejected the ultimatum by Germany
Britain then declared war against Germany
This culminated in World War one.
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Post CommentJames DeVere
On December 20, 2008 at 7:26 am
“Slavs?” I’d like to see you stick to a simpler format – this article was truly turgid. Still, you definitly covered some of the points. Was the July incident the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand in the Balkans? A point not seen which was the principal trigger of the conflict. You are an interesting writer teeter tottering between lucidity and smoke . j