Beliefs on War in Vienna and London as the Start of WWI

The beginning of World War I was welcomed as a positive event by so many Austrians because it united the majority of Austrians and presented them with opportunity. While most Austrians once negatively viewed the war, the mobilization of Austrian troops created a feeling of unity "as never before, thousands and hundreds of thousands felt what they should have felt in peace time, that they belonged together" (p.312). No longer were there ranks and classes, but rather one Austrian people unified for one sole cause. Individual differences such as occupation were no longer important. The Austrian people set aside their differences in opinion and were "incorporated into the mass, he was part of the people, and his person, his hitherto unnoticed person, had been giving meaning" (p.312). Austrians, united as one people, now saw the war as an opportunity to exemplify the greatness of their people.

In addition to being unified and glorifying the Austrian people, each individual desired to better their own condition. Most thought that would shortly be over for it would be "a rapid excursion into the romantic, a wild, manly adventure" (p.313). Because very few Austrians had previous experience in combat or war, the Austrians believed that the war would be a short ordeal that would quickly be resolved. With this in mind, Austrians saw an opportunity for fame and glory. By joining the military, Austrians would be "lifted out of their everyday existence" (p.312) and have the chance to become a hero. Whether it is for personal glory or the unity of the Austrian people, the war excited the Austrian people and it was this "spirit of adventure and the spirit of faith" (p.312) that caused the Austrian people to welcome the war.

"Vienna: 'The Rushing Feeling of Fraternity'" is the work of Stefan Zweig

"London: 'Average Men and Women Were Delighted at the Prospect of War'"

Before the events of July and August 1914, Bertand Russell believed that human nature was good. He also believed that everyone else held this same view, but "The day war was declared, almost all of them changed their minds....noticing cheering crowds, and making myself sensitive to the emotions of passers-by" (p.314). Russell has now seen that humans are aggressive by nature and are not necessarily good nature. In addition to seeing about ninety percent of the population delighted by the war, Russell also views his best friends celebrating the war. His two friends "had been writing for years against participation in a European war" (p.314) yet the moment war is declared, his two best friends immediately change their opinions on the situation. Russell believes that he is more aware than others of the destruction that the war will bring. While some of the rest of the population may have some idea of the destruction and devastation, they decide to go along with the mass, as Russell finds "that not ten per cent of them prefer truth to popularity" (p.315).

I agree with Russell's revised views about human nature. Although people might appear to be good natured, there will always be some aggressiveness inside them. Appearance can be deceiving, especially with others supporting their views. Because this support could bring out the aggressiveness or negatives in their nature.

"London: 'Average Men and Women Were Delighted at the Prospect of War'" is the work of Bertrand Russell