The Leading Factors of World War I

As the years have worn on, mans wars have come and pass, leaving devastation in their wake. However, one war completely changed the course of history for both Europe and the rest of the world. World War I, was a result of many different factors which eventually caused it to become the most violent and tumultuous war of all time. Disputes regarding international amnesty, increased militarism, nationalism, entangling alliances, and imperialism were all major factors in the start of the war.

After the Napoleonic wars, the actions of Metternich and the French Revolution, boundaries separating countries were skewed. However, these actions also helped strengthen the ties that some people felt for one another, sparking off waves of nationalism all throughout Europe. Men and women were finally proud to be a part of their respective countries, and rebelled against the nations that had attempted to amalgamate them. Many of the Slavic people felt a kinship towards Russia which eventually resulted in many entangling alliances. At first, these alliances were a result of the nationalistic and cultural values that these two people shared. Germany and Austria-Hungary also allied with one another in 1879 with the Dual Alliance. After this pact was made, Russia chose to ally itself with France in the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1894. By having two clearly distinguishable sets of alliances, it was easy for one remote war to start, leading to many more.

European nations at this time were all imperial powers, colonizing the entire world. However, in doing so they often created border disputes in the lands that they claimed. This inevitably led to minor wars in skirmishes in their colonies. Many such wars came to pass in their African colonies in a rush for fertile land or valuable resources. The extensive fighting that resulted from imperialism invariably resulted in increased militarism among the peoples of Europe, mainly in Germany. Germany began to rapidly increase the size and training of its standing army, while its industrial capabilities allowed it to supply these troops with necessary equipment at the start of the war. Therefore, the people were not only ready for war, but anxious for it in an attempt to expand German influence.
Although there was great change in Europe and all its workings, there were still those who preferred anarchy. One group of these people, the Black Hand, focused on achieving its radical ideals through assassination.

The actions of this infamous group are often regarded as the start of World War I. In 1914, Ferdinand was assassinated in an attempt to disrupt the Austrian rule of the Serbs. However, this action prompted Austria-Hungary and Germany to declare war on Serbia, thereby causing Russia to begin mobilizing its troops, starting the war. We see that all of these actions were interlinked. For example, the nationalistic zeal of the Black Hand led to the assassination of the Austrian Arch-duke, and the militaristic attitude of Germany led it straight into the war. Furthermore, the entangling alliances that all European countries had formed brought the entire continent into bloodshed.

However, these events are not exclusive to their time period. Although some seem to be less prevalent, others, such as nationalism, prove to be a great cause of concern in modern society. For example, the situation in Iraq is currently a war between three opposing factions, each battling in an effort to make its sect the ruling part of nation. Each group is beset with an insatiable desire to have their nationalistic ideals fulfilled. Nationalism isn't only plaguing the Middle East, it is also a cause of great concern in Africa as countries without a real national identity fight with one another in order to unite their peoples. Although World War I ended almost a century ago, the problems which started it curse our planet. However, to recognize these problems allows us to hopefully foresee future catastrophes, and possibly avoid them.