An alliance system is an association of two or more groups, individuals, or nations who agree to cooperate with one another to achieve a common goal. An alliance system is usually used between countries. If one country is under attack then her allies would come and help.
In the First World War, there were two main alliance systems. They were the Triple Alliance, which linked Germany, the Austrian empire and Italy, and the Triple Entente, which linked Britain, France and Russia. The terms of these agreements were secret. One side could not know exactly what countries on the other side would do to support each other.
Out of all of these, I believe that the main cause of the First World War was the alliance systems. Without the alliances, there might not have been a first world war as Austria might not have blamed Serbia for the assignation of Franz Ferdinand. The only reason that Austria did blame Serbia was because they were encouraged by their ally, Germany. The only reason that Serbia resisted was because they were encouraged by their ally, Russia.
Russia mobilised to fight for Serbia, which caused Germany to declare war on Russia (1 August). As Russia was allied to France, the Germans declared war on France (3 August).
France had strong defences on its borders with Germany so the plan was to attack France through Belgium. Britain had a treaty with Belgium and when the Germans invaded Belgium, Britain entered the war on the side of Russia and France.
So, thanks to the alliance system, six countries were at war instead of just two.
In this essay, I aim to find out who was most to blame for starting the First World War.
Germany was a fairly new country. It only existed since 1870, and its neighbours were worried that if it continued to grow, it could become one of the greatest powers in the world. Germany encouraged Austria to blame Serbia for the assignation of Franz Ferdinand. When Russia got ready to fight, Germany declared war on Russia. As Russia was allied to France, Germany declared war on France. This shows that Germany was always willing to make the first move.
The Germans were always afraid that they would not be able to defeat both Russia and France, so they decided to quickly knock out France first, and then turn and face Russia. This was called the Schlieffen Plan.
France had strong defences on its borders with Germany so the Germans planned to attack France through Belgium. When the Germans invaded Belgium, Britain entered the war on the side of Russia and France.
A Serbian group, called The Black Hand, had decided that the Archduke Franz Ferdinand should be assassinated. Seven young men who had been trained in bomb throwing and marksmanship were stationed along the route that Franz Ferdinand's car would follow through the city. The first two terrorists were unable to throw their grenades because the streets were too crowded and the car was travelling quite fast. The third terrorist, a young man called Gabrinovic, threw a grenade. It hit the side of the car and bounced off. Although the Archduke and his wife were unhurt, some of his attendants were injured. Another terrorist, named Gavrilo Princip, was stationed at the end of the road. As the car passed he fired two shots. The first hit Sophia, Franz Ferdinand’s pregnant wife, in the stomach. She died almost instantly. The second shot hit the Franz Ferdinand in the chest. He died a short while later.
This is why Austria blamed Serbia. They had no intention of starting a European war.
Russia didn’t really have much to do with the start of the First World War. They encouraged Serbia to deny sending the assassin and dragged France into the war by the alliance system. I do not think that Russia was to blame for the First World War.
Austria blamed Serbia for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. From then on, Germany took control mainly by declaring war on Austria’s enemies.
France joined the war by an alliance with Russia. In 1870, France had lost a lot of land to Germany and most Frenchmen wanted it back. The First World War was a good chance for this.
Britain had a vast over-sea empire. Germany was jealous and was trying hard to catch up. Britain and Germany added to the war by having a naval race. They both spent masses amounts of money building the new super weapon. They were battleships called Dreadnoughts.
I do not think that the First World War was anyone’s fault. I think that it was a big mistake. Austria blamed Serbia for the assassination of Franz Ferdinand with no intention of starting a European war.
However, I think that Germany was most to blame for starting the First World War. Once Austria blamed Serbia, Germany declared war on Austria's allies, and their allies and so on. Eventually, thanks to Germany, most of Europe was involved.
