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The Glory Of War: The Most Significant Cause Of The First World War

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“Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori- it is sweet and right to die for your country.”
Heroic views on war were not uncommon in the early Twentieth Century. In fact, prior to World War One war was idolised and seen as an ideal way to solve a dispute. Whilst other contributing factors; the assassination of the Austrian Archduke, rivalries and the web of alliances, were among the undoubtedly important influences, it is evident that the “The Glory of War” concept is the most significant cause that ultimately led to the First World War.
The spark that ignited the First World War occurred in June of 1914 and was the assassination of the Austrian Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, and his wife in Sarajevo. Their visit to the Bosnian city occurred shortly …show more content…
Russia’s politicians feared that after losing numerous humiliating conflicts prior to WWI , their vulnerability would lead them to become an object of ridicule in Europe. In 1914 Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Sazonov, stated, “If Russia failed to fulfil her historic mission, she would be considered a decadent state and would henceforth have to take second place among the powers” . Germany’s strategy, the Schlieffen Plan, involved attacking France through Belgium and it was this inflexibility that entangled Britain into the warfare. Germany was also the first to declare war on a major power- Russia. Furthermore, Austria-Hungary issued an intentionally harsh ultimatum to Serbia in 1914, aware that the Serbs would have no choice but to refuse and engage in war. Thus, specific countries, notably; Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary, were essential in the sudden outburst of World War …show more content…
No one country is the exclusive cause. Besides, it is inappropriate to associate specific characteristics, such as nationalism or militarism, with entire populations. There is simply no documentation suggesting that some European nations were any more, or less, nationalistic and militaristic than others. Additionally, only a small group of powerful diplomats decided when a nation mobilized and declared war. There were several opportunities for politicians to refrain from warfare, none of which were taken . This indicates that war was indeed perceived fundamental in solving a problem. Conflict with other countries was a means of distracting from the problems in one’s own country. Without the “Glory of War” views, countries would not have resorted to a world war, instead finding another solution for their problems. Therefore, whilst not the only cause, the traditional ideals of war’s nobility and heroism were the most significant source of the First World

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