WORLD HISTORY: THE WORLD IN 1914 (3)
PROBABLE CAUSES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR
The quarrel between Austria and Serbia explains the outbreak of a war but not why it became a world war. The following reasons may have led to escalation of the Austria-Serbia war into a world war:
- Alliance system: The division of the superpowers into two opposing camps led to mounting suspicions.
- Colonial rivalry: The German disappointment with its imperial gains in Africa and the Far East helped caused the war.
- Naval race: The naval race between Germany and Britain in order to expand their sea power and hence expand their empire created tension between the two nations.
- Economic rivalry: The desire for the economic mastery of the world created a want among German businessmen for a war with Britain.
- Russian support of Serbia: Russian backing of Serbia made it more reckless in her anti-Austrian policy.
- German backing of Austria: Germany encouraged Austria for declaring war on Serbia in 1914 which made Austrians feel bolstered.
- Mobilization Plans: German plan for mobilization, known as the Schlieffen Plan, accelerated the temp of events and reduced the time available for negotiations.
- Miscalculations:
- Austria miscalculated by thinking that Russia would not support Serbia.
- Germany made a crucial mistake by promising to unconditionally support Austria.
- Russia and Germany miscalculated that mobilization would not lead to war.
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