Germans wanted to unite the pan-Germans and Austria-Hungry by helping each other. It seemed that certain countries were forming alliances with other countries to try and stay powerful. Nationalism was all over the countries to the north. If another country would talk down on another country it seemed that it started something between, and eventually started a fight. Countries wanted everyone to have pride for their country and show them respect; unfortunately it seemed everyone wanted the same thing.
Imperialism was the next aspect that brought upon the war. All the countries were talking about its foreign capabilities and what they had to offer. Great Britain became alliances with France by talking to them and informing them of Germanys move to take over Morocco. Germany seeing that other countries were forming alliances was scared that they would have no one to back them in a war if that’s what it came down to. Germany showed its worries in 1914 with talks and actions towards Austria-Hungry hoping that they would be the only country that would back them in the war.
Military was another huge aspect leading up to World War 1. Every country knew that Germany had one undeniably great military and was trying to build-up their naval status. Between 1910 and 1914 Military was the main concern through out the European countries. They knew with out good military powers they would never be able to defeat Germany when it came down to it. By 1914 in was said that France and Germany both grew military personal by 800,000 people. There was competition between the countries on who would build the best naval force, or the best weapon to defeat other countries.
With the growth of military power through out the countries was a major attention getter. Government’s role was mainly influenced by the militarism through out the early 1900’s. Germany decided to choose war in 1914 for one simple reason. They knew they were a major threat to all the countries against them, and the more time that they waited, they felt the Russians might becomes more feared then them. Germany came out with the Schlieffen plan which stated that Germany would fight France and Russia but not at the same time. The idea was that they would take out France first and slowly move into Russia holding them back until they could put them away for good. It was a good idea to attack France and keep moving west, they thought. Germany wanted to hit the Russians by surprise so they could not get ready for battle and become a stronger force.
The alliance system formed by the first attack and assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Germany sent all its attention to its only ally, Austria before they made any move towards France. Austria realizing they had Germany to help them told Serbia to back off on the anti-Austrian acts and propaganda that was going on. Russia blamed Austria and its ultimatum to be the cause for the European war. On July 24th Austria bombarded Serbia and officially started war. On July 30th Russia had complete mobilization of its troops and sent them to Serbia to back them in an effort to take out the Austria and Germany force. On July 31st Russia declared war on France and started the mobilization through Belgium.
The significance of World War 1 was overwhelming. Wilson’s fourteen points was the final piece to the puzzle to shape the peace order throughout the countries. The League of Nations was started to try and maintain peace after the war. Germany was forced into the peace order when their military started to show signs of defeat.
Wilson was the main reason for the peace between the countries that were at war. With out him coming up with these fourteen points there would be no way for the world to be the way it is today. Peace was brought up in a way which everyone won. The cost of the war was outrageous. No matter how you look at it, the war was worthless and cost 150 billion dollars. It was also estimated that around ten million people who fought in the World War lost their lives on the battlefields. If the war did anything besides spark new means for technology, it also proved to be the deadliest war between European countries ever.
The Peace conference between the countries battling at war was a sign that America could work things out. No body believed that the war would ever end until Germany got total satisfaction throughout the countries. With help of Wilson, and his points it put an end to this disaster.
