Undisputedly, war is inseparable from human history. War refers to a state or situation where there is an armed conflict or a military encounter between two or several countries or two or more groups within the same territory (Distein). Arguably, World War I is one of the most memorable military encounters of all times. World War I (The Great War) refers to a massive global conflict that lasted from 1914-1918. Termed as one of the most destructive conflicts of all time, World War I involved countries like Great Britain, France, Germany, Austro-Hungary, Serbia, the United States, Romania, Italy, the Ottoman empire, Japan, Bulgaria, and Russia. As the number of belligerents involved in the clash, World War I’s aftermath was equally devastating.  According to Sondhaus, the Great War resulted in the death of 16 million people, inclusive of civilians. Taking note of the Great War’s historical importance, this paper examines critical factors that triggered the Great War.

1. Imperialism

Imperialism denotes a state where a country or society extends its rule over another. In the 19^th century, European nations like Britain, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain sought to occupy territories in different parts of the world like in Africa, southeastern Asia, and the far east. During this time, European nations looked at overseas territories as symbols of national pride and power. In the economic sense, colonies would serve as sources of labor and raw materials for European industries. In light of these benefits, European countries like France and Britain moved swiftly to occupy as many colonies as possible (Cain & Anthony). In the course of creating colonies, due to some territories’ strategic and economic importance in European countries conflicted concerning which nation had the mandate to occupy such lands. A perfect example of European imperialism’s clash played out in the Moroccan Crisis of  1905 and 1911, where Germany and France laid claims over the territory. After subsequent intervention through the international conference, France was granted occupation while Germany was given another territory.  Although the conflict ended amicably, the decision to favor France did not augur well with German leader Kaiser Wilhelm II who seemingly noted Britain and France’s solidarity against Germany (Porter). The tensions emanating from territorial disputes led to an arms race as European countries developed a disdain for one another.

• Formation of military alliances

Due to the massive expansion of the British and French empires and the crewing tensions over territories, Europe experienced major political realignments at the start of the 20^th century.  At this time, European nations became increasingly aware of the growing tensions and thus, embarked on developing and expanding their militaries if war broke out. Notably, at the time, Britain boasted about having the most powerful navy in the world.  For Germany, Britain’s naval power was perceived as a threat, and thus, Kaiser II vowed to double up Germany’s naval force (Fettweis). While all this went on, other countries like France and Russia were expanding their armies. Throughout the arms race, Germany was aware of the subtle enmity with France, Britain, and possibly, Russia. In strengthening itself in the face of an inevitable conflict, Germany forged the Triple alliance with Austro Hungary and Italy. Although Britain had initially distanced itself from what had seemed like European turf wars, military expansions, formation of the Tripple alliance, and the escalating mistrust among European nations forced her to enter into the Triple Entente formation with France and Russia (Sondhaus). Although the alliances partially reduced tension between members, the increased tension in Europe as other countries joined the fray and declared war on each other. Gradually, the triple alliance transformed into Central powers with the entrance of Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, the Triple Entente expanded with Italy, the United States joining the alliance before the war started.

• Nationalism

According to Mulligan, nationalism fueled all the other factors that led to the Great War. Most people often mistake nationalism for patriotism. While patriotism refers to a sense of pride for one’s country, nationalism describes a state where an individual or a particular people firmly support their country’s interests, sometimes to the extent of interfering with another country’s interests. Alternatively, nationalism denotes an agitation for one’s country’s political independence. In the period between 1870-1914, there was renewed nationalism among European countries. Since every country had its reasons for promoting its national interests, it is critical to analyze each case independently.

• Germany

Since Germany’s unification under the leadership of Otto Von Bismarck, the country ushered the new millennium in high spirits. The victory attained in the Franco Prussian War provided Germany with the much-needed confidence against France and possibly, Britain which seemed to detach itself from European affairs (Sondhaus). Nevertheless, Germany was prepared in case France retaliated to reclaim Alsace and Lorraine. Additionally, Kaiser Wilhelm II resented Britain because of the empire’s selfishness and greed for overseas territories. As Mulligan stated, during the period leading up to the war, most Germans supported their country’s aggressive actions, with the press depicting Britain as selfish, hypocritical, and boastful (Kersting). Even when the war broke out, Germany’s initial victories in battle were seen as a symbol of supremacy over other European nations.

• France

According to Jackson, France had gone through a tumultuous economic and political ordeal. Its defeat in the Crimean and Franco-Prussian wars embarrassed the country’s military might in the region. Besides, the political strife propagated by monarchs like Napoleon Bonaparte led the nation to a significant loss. Despite these failures, France emerged as a mighty empire by conquering and colonizing numerous territories across the world. Nevertheless, France had never come to terms with the loss of its two precious provinces to Germany (Jackson). This aspect brewed anti-German nationalism, thus responding to Germany’s militarization; it also geared up to reclaim its lost glory.

• Britain

Unlike France, Britain had enjoyed a relatively long period of peace and stability. Consequently, by 1900, it had established itself as an imperial power, steering clear from European disputes and wars. For Britain, having colonies across the world was a great source of pride. As stated, the nation also took pride in having the best naval force in the world (Wilson). With such achievements, nationalists in Britain fostered a great sense of patriotism among the people. Despite its stability, Britain became increasingly aware of Germany’s militarization began perceiving the nation as a threat to itself and other nations like France. In the face of imminent war, novelists in Britain published vast literature concerning a foreign military invasion.

• Russia

Although it was not as involved as the rest of the European powers, Russia was also embroiled in displaying nationalism and military power towards the Great War. Tsar Nicholas II believed his empire as divine and, thus, invincible to its enemies. Additionally, Russia boasted of the largest standing army that would crush smaller European nations without any difficulties in any day (Sondhaus).

• Serbia

Perhaps more than all the European countries, Serbian nationalism went a step ahead in triggering the Great War. Typically, Serbian nationalism rose out of a notion of Slavic nationalism, which championed the Slavic people’s independence. Primarily, nationalism in Serbia developed against Austro-Hungary’s annexation and control over Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (Lyons). In response to the oppression, Serbians formed numerous radical political movements whose focus was to liberate Serbia. In particular, a radical group named The Black Hand was involved in an assassination that altered Europe’s history forever (Macmillan).

• The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Since Austro had annexed Serbia- Hungary, radical Serbian nationalist movements hatched a plan to assassinate Franz as he went to Sarajevo for a military inspection exercise on the 28^th of June 1948. Earlier during the visit, Nedjelko Cabrinovic was apprehended after a failed assassination attempt. Sensing imminent danger, Archduke Franz Ferdinand aborted the military inspection and resolved to return to Austro Hungary. On their way back, they encountered Gavrilo Princip. Seizing the opportunity to avenge his nation, Gavrilo opened fire at Archduke Franz and his wife Sophie, injuring them fatally (Lyons). Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination was perhaps the only thread that held European peace together.

After his death, Gavrilo and other Serbian nationalists were arrested and charged with treason. A month after the assassination, Austro Hungary (with advice from Germany) devised a plan that would inevitably lead to Serbia’s attack. On the 23^rd of July 1914, Austro-Hungary issued a stern ultimatum to Serbia. According to the terms,  Serbia was to allow an inquiry commission from Austro Hungary to independently investigate Franz Ferdinand’s assassination regardless of whether the matter was already under Serbian investigation (Sondhaus). Secondly, Austro-Hungary demanded Serbia’s compliance and cooperation in eradicating radical movements. In this context, the Serbian government was to cease all propaganda against Austro Hungary and crush The Black Hand movement, allegedly responsible for Franz Ferdinand’s death.  Lastly, in submitting to the terms outlined in the ultimatum, Serbia would allow Austro-Hungarian police into the territory. Although these conditions did not seem so challenging to follow, Austro-Hungary laid a subtle trap by demanding a reply from Serbia within 48 hours from the ultimatum issuance (Myers). With this last condition, Austro-Hungary waited eagerly for Serbia’s dismissal so that they would have a better excuse to declare war. Upon receiving the note, Serbia reached out to  Russia for diplomatic advice on accepting the ultimatum conditions. In its reply, Russia quickly pointed out that German had overtaken the situation between Serbia and Austro-Hungary. In aiding Serbia, Russia started mobilization. In Belgrade, Serbian leader Nicola Pasic agreed to all other conditions but declined the idea to allow Austro-Hungary to conduct a parallel internal inquiry in Serbia. In his view, such a move would undermine Serbia’s constitutional integrity.  Three days later (28^th July 19140, Austro Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the beginning of World War I.

• The Carte Blanche

Although Austro-Hungary did not plan Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, it created an opportunity to crush the escalating Slavic nationalism in Serbia (Myers). For a long time, Austro-Hungary had maintained a close relationship with Germany and formed a military alliance – the Triple alliance. However, with seemingly lesser power, Austro-Hungary relied heavily on Germany for advice, particularly concerning Serbia’s relations. A fortnight after the assassination, Austro-Hungary’s envoy to Germany (Alexander Graf Von Hoyos) went to Berlin to deliver a message to Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II. According to Hjembo, the message consisted of two notes, one of which notified him concerning the assassination while the other informed him of Serbia and Russia’s increasing ties. Kaiser Wilhelm II was deeply offended by Franz Ferdinand’s death and thus pledged unconditional support to Serbia in the event of an attack from Russia. Studies recognize Kaiser’s assurance as to the Carte Blanche. As stated, without Germany’s support, Austro-Hungary’s tiff with Serbia and the Balkans would have remained a local affair. However, by supporting Serbia, Germany increased the risk of transforming the conflict into an all-out war in the whole of Europe.

With Germany’s assurance on the 28^th of July 1914, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Consequently, Russia, France, and Britain declared war on Austro-Hungary and Germany. Eventually, it became an all-out war between European powers, although later other nations joined the party to support respective alliances. Although all the factors discussed equally played a part in contributing to the start of the Great War, Germany’s aggression is evident all along the way. Kaiser Wilhelm’s attitude towards France and Britain accelerated his nation’s militarization and readiness for a future encounter with the two countries. Although the Great War was fought for numerous reasons, one reason remains clear-it was shrouded in European nationalism and show of military power.

Works Cited

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