What Was the War to End All Wars?
The War to End All Wars, also known as World War I, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and caused devastating destruction, widespread global casualties, and significant upheaval to the international world order. This war led to a shift in international politics, global economic fluctuations, and an increase in militarism. 1 To understand the roots of the war, one must revisit the events of the preceding years.
Causes of World War I: The Entangled Alliances and Tensions
Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, the web of international alliances and simmering tensions became increasingly unravelled, culminating in a cascade of conflicts, diplomacy crises, and nationalist ideologies that escalated the stakes to full-blown war (Fig. 1)..
- Complex Web of Alliances and Agreements (Timeline below)
• The Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary (1882)
• Triple Entente, including Russia, France, and Great Britain (Entente Cordiale) 1907)- Other players like Italy and Japan have various treaties of friendship
| Countries and Agreements | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| The Dual Alliance: Germany & Austria-Hungary | 1882 |
| The Entente Cordiale: Great Britain & France & Russia | 1904-1907 |
Key Tensions That Sparked the War ( 1905-1914):
1. Germany’s rapidly expanding economy with Britain;
1. Dispute between Serbian nationalist elements and the central government;
1. Miliance among countries concerning war guarantees.
Within a single year of assassinating **Franz Ferdinand** Austria-Hungary and issuing the ultimatums.
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• Italy failed to follow.
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* Military Reorganizations Leading Up To Global Confusion
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