How and Why did the First World War start?

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How and why did the First World War start?

World War One lasted four years, from 1914 to 1918. Over fifteen million casualties were created because of it. This includes over approximately ten million deaths. Along with that, four empires were affectively destroyed. So how and why did it start? There were many reasons both long and short term. Altogether they prepared time bombs, ready to explode into a destructive war zone throughout the world. During the war, one country dropped out of the fighting, one joined in and another switched sides.

Ruler of Germany and Grandson to Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm II loved the army. He became Emperor at the age of 29 despite being partially deaf and finding it hard to balance. He envied the British Military and devoted himself to making his military defence better, especially the navy. He was determined to beat Britain’s navy.  When Britain launched the first Dreadnought ship, it put increased pressure on Wilhelm. He encouraged the Grand Admiral Tirpitz to build ships that could compete with the Dreadnought. Soon, Britain and Germany were having an Arms Race. This made a huge shift of power, many countries were scared of Germany and set about making national defences whilst other joined alliances. At this point, there was a great deal of friction in Europe.

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So, Wilhelm’s jealousy and ambitious nature contributed to his country’s increased military power at that time.  

By 1914, many countries felt more important than each other and to show they were powerful they felt a need for colonies to build up an empire. In building up an Empire they needed an army and navy. As each country became more powerful they got threatened by each other and grouped together creating two separate alliances. Germany in particular became very powerful in their army and navy. Under threat of this army, France allied itself with Russia, and later Britain. Since ...

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