Long-Term Causes Of WW1

The Short-Term And Long-Term Causes Of World War One (1914-1918)

Introduction:

World War One is to have been said that it is one of the most massive and destructive wars to have been taken place until that time period (1914-1918). In this World War we had some of the most main important great powerful rivals that were participating in the war. One of them was called the Triple Alliance and it included: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, and the other Alliance group was The Entente Alliance and it included Britain, France, Russia, and the USA (in which it joined later on in WW2). In order for World War One to occur it had to go through some causes for it to happen. In this War we had a series of various causes in which some were long-term

Imperialism (Imperial Rivalry): The main states that got involved in the war were imperialist states. The phenomenon of imperialism is in this respect a major long-term cause of WW1, since it created rivalry between the main powers at that time. This rivalry was created by the competing interests and goals that each imperialist state had. Imperialist rivalry is the broader long-term cause for WW1. It created tensions between states which may have led to a war between the competing parties. Such rivalries were driven mainly by two forces which are also considered long-term causes of WW1.
b. Economic Competition (Capitalism): The need of capitalist economy for constant growth (new markets, more profits, new resources) had materially contributed to the phenomenon of imperialism and thus in the rivalry between imperialist states. In this respect, economic competition, is a basic long-term cause of WW1.
c. Nationalism: Imperialism was based on aggressive nationalism which was informed by ideas of national superiority and glory. To the extent that such glory was measured by economic and political power and therefore, expansion in nationalism was another important long-term cause of

The Bosnian Crises of 1908 and The Balkan Wars Of 1912-1913: The joined results of these crises was that it escalated the tensions between Austria and Russia. Also, Germany’s decision to support Austria worsened its relations between her and Russia.
c. The Assassination Of Franz Ferdinand (The ArchDuke Of Austria)/ The July Crises: The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, The Archduke Of Austria, was one of the short main causes, the last thread lets say, that led to the out-break of the war. Because of this at first we had Austria who declares war on Serbia. Then we have Russia supporting Serbia therefore declaring war on Austria. Germany then supports Austria and so declares war on Russia. Germany also then declares war on France leading to Britain declaring war on Germany. Therefore, Britain and France declare war on Austria leading in the rise of the Great Powers The Entente going against the The Triple Alliance.
d. The Reasons That Led Countries To Declare War On Each Other: Austria-Hungary: The preservation and stabilisation of the Empire. Austria had many internal problems due to the effects of nationalism. The war for them was seen as an opportunity to assert its rule. We also had some other major factors participating for example one was the reliance on the German Support. Two, there was also the belief in a quick victory and the influence of militarism. The third and last was also the willingness of its political elites to take