Writing Section Flashcards
Opening line.
There are many factors for the outbreak of WWI in 1914. Whether or not these are causes are contributory or not is up to much debate.
First paragraph.
On the one had, it could be argued that the tension between France and Germany as result of the Franco-Prussian War is the primary cause for WWI. The aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) ended with France losing Alsace-Lorraine, being fined 5 billion Francs, and losing their national pride. The French. resentment leftover was potent enough that Germany considered France a future enemy. Hence why France was accounted for in the Schlieffen Plan (1897), highlighting that Germany was preparing and anticipating for a future war in Europe.
Second paragraph.
However, it could be said that it was Germany’s following actions after 1871 that triggered WWI in 1914. Following the creation of the (already feared) Second Reich (1871), Germany seemingly without motive (known to other powers) began to rapidly militarise. Beginning by issuing the German Navy Laws (1898 and 1900) and the crafting of 57 warships. The unprompted militancy of Germany began to worry other powers. Eventually other powers began to militarise and prepare for war. Triggering events like the arms race and the making of the HMS Dreadnought (1906) and SMS Rheinland (1908). Perhaps the fact that most countries were preparing for war (and to win said war) made war more likely.
Third paragraph.
Though, the cause for WWI may not fall so squarely onto Germany. The widespread competition to build empires within Europe could also be seen as a cause for WWI. For example, Italy aimed to control part of the Adriatic Sea, whilst Austro-Hungary aimed to control the other, and Germany competing with Britain’s navy. Eventually ships like the Dreadnought was created (result of the arms race) and eventually Austro-Hungary annexed Bosnia (1908) to gain access to the Adriatic coastline. Drawing from this idea of competition, it could be argued that WWI was inevitable.
Fourth paragraph.
On the other hand, it could be argued that the immediate trigger for WWI (Franz Ferdinand’s assassination) was also the primary cause for WWI starting in 1914. The assassination (1914) triggered the Triple Alliance Protocols. Forcing German intervention on Austro-Hungary’s behalf. Russia also had to intervene on behalf of Serbia. Eventually, other alliance systems were triggered and the war was made global.
Fifth paragraph.
My opinion, however, is that the cause for WWI was rather a widespread issue in Europe - rather than the actions of any one individual country. I think that the Europe-wide completion of empires was the ultimate reason for the war starting in 1914. For example, it was Bosnia being annexed that caused the Balkan League to be formed. Perhaps, it was the increased militancy of pre-WWI Europe that caused alliances and tensions to be formed.
