(2) Why and how did the alliance system lead to the outbreak of War

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(2) Why and how did the alliance system lead to the outbreak of War?

Firstly, the fact that the alliances were always made on a war-footing and the powers were divided into sides nurtured a sense of competition and heightened the war tension and led to an arm race between European powers.  For example, after the formation of the Triple Entente, Germany competed with Brit in building dreadnoughts.  Thus all European powers were ready for war in 1914.

Secondly, as most details of the alliances were kept secret, mutual suspicions and fears deepened and the powers watched each other’s moved suspiciously. This suspicion prevented their diplomats from devising a suitable solution to many of the crisis preceding to war.

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Thirdly, since the European powers had made alliances with one another, any quarrel between countries within the two camps would easily involve all other countries of the camp.  e.g. Serb vs Austria – to WWI.

Fourthly, the powers became less willing to settle disputes by peaceful means as they believed their allies would give them military support. e.g. Blank Check – to war

Fifthly, the alliances were originally strictly defensive but by 1910, many alliances had changed their nature.  The Austro-German alliance became an aggressive alliance after the Bosnian crisis in 1909, the Germany promised to give ...

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