World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was one of the most monumental conflicts in human history. The main causes of this war can be grouped into several categories: nationalism, imperialism, alliances, and militarism.
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Nationalism: At the beginning of the 20th century, the spirit of nationalism skyrocketed, especially in Europe. Countries such as Germany, France, England, and Italy sought to demonstrate their national power, often by undermining other countries’ territories. In the Balkans, Serbian nationalism played an important role in igniting the conflict that turned into a full-fledged war after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on 28 June 1914.
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Imperialism: The fight for colonies in Africa and Asia feels increasingly intense. Large European countries competed with each other for natural resources and new markets. This tension creates an atmosphere that triggers conflict. For example, British and German rivalry in the global struggle created discontent that spread to Eastern Europe.
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Alliance: Complex alliance systems also contribute to widespread conflict. Major countries are bound by defense treaties. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia, as Serbia’s ally, joined in, followed by Germany who supported Austria-Hungary. This system accelerates escalation into total war.
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Militarism: The growth of military power in Europe, marked by an arms race, increased insecurity among nations. Countries build large armed forces and prepare for war, creating a climate in which war is seen as a solution to conflict.
The impact of World War I was far-reaching and had an impact in the following decades. First, this war resulted in the deaths of approximately 10 million soldiers and 7 million civilians, making it one of the deadliest wars in history. This great loss brought deep sorrow in many countries.
Second, the world political map changed drastically. The Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires collapsed, resulting in the birth of new states such as Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Finland. Third, the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 created discontent in Germany, planting the seeds for a larger conflict, namely World War II.
Furthermore, World War I changed the vision of war and diplomacy. Many countries are starting to adopt a more pragmatic diplomatic approach and are trying to prevent the recurrence of similar conflicts. The revival of the League of Nations aimed to create a forum for peaceful settlement. However, these missions often failed to prevent aggression in the 1930s.
This war also accelerated the innovation of military technology such as tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons. Finally, major social changes occurred, including the role of women starting to enter the world of work, triggering feminist movements in many countries.
Overall, World War I not only changed global power dynamics, but also shaped the course of modern history and set the stage for a wide range of social, political, and economic issues that remain relevant today.