Causes of World War One

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World War One, also known as The Great War, was indeed one of the most gruesome and extreme battles the world has ever faced. There were many conflicts that could have caused World War One, but there are two main ones to focus on. The causes of World War One were because of the assassination of the archduke of Austria-Hungary, and alliances in the war.

The biggest reason for the occurrence of World War One was because of the assassination of the archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand was the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were shot dead in Sarajevo, by Gavrilo Princip, one of a group of six assassins. The plan of the attack was to separate the south-Slav provinces to later become Yugoslavia. Austria-Hungary led an attack on Serbia which ultimately began The Great War.

The second reason for World War One starting was because of the alliances that took place at the time. Serbia was attacked by Austria-Hungary, and since Russia was allies with Serbia, they were drawn in as well. Austria-Hungary was allies with Germany and they called themselves the Dual Alliance. Germany decided to swiftly attack France so they would no longer be in the war, and they thought that France’s allies – Imperial Russia and England would not enter the war if France was already defeated. Germany invaded France due to the Schlieffen plan, where they would quickly move through Belgium and attack but Belgium was allied with England so England got involved as well. The joining of England brought in other colonies of Britain such as Canada and India. There was a longer list of colonies that joined in as well. Alliances in the war were the reason that Canada joined in.

There were other factors that contributed to the occurrence of World War One, but the points listed above were the main reasons. Other reasons can include nationalism and imperialism. The Great War will always be remembered as a time when countries fought together, but what made that happen is starting to fade from our memories.

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Provided by Brirari Historical Archives
 
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