The Causes Of World War One

The origins of the First World War have become a recurring topic amongst modern historians; it is both a fascinating and complex debate. The central question discussed is the issue of which European nation is to blame for the origins of world war one. It is seemingly a difficult question to answer without merely blaming one nation over the other for causing this major European crisis in August of 1914.However, most historians appear to point their fingers at Germany due to its desire to dominate Europe and ultimately become the leading power. Though, Austria-Hungary’s role leading to world war one is also notable and should not be overlooked; initially although Serbia accepted the majority of demands listed in the ultimatum provided by …show more content…
This paper will examine the evidence provided through primary and secondary sources in order to examine which nation was responsible for the cause of world war one. Reviewing the main factors which led to world war one provides a framework leading to its causes and an understanding of which nations which were responsible for causing it. The death of the Archduke Ferdinand was believed to be the main trigger of world war one and the ultimate factor which led to the alliance systems between the leading nations. The alliance system was set in place as a measure of security for nations with weaker military power, each nation pleaded to defend the other should one choose to wage war. Following the death of the Archduke, Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to Serbia stating that they required justice for the archduke’s death. Initially, Serbia accepted the majority of the harsh demands listed in the ultimatum sent by Austria. Their acceptance of these demands, however, was not sufficient for the Austro-Hungarian government which along with the push from Germany …show more content…
In turn, when Germany was notified of the tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, they encouraged the decision for war and signed a blank cheque to the Austro-Hungarian Empire in order to assure them they had their support in case anything occurred. The commonality between the players of world war one was to ultimately build a stronger nation which would dominate Europe, these nations were competitive in nature; the main competition being to strengthen military power, expand globally, gain prestige and strengthen the image of the nation. Germany’s opportunistic nature is seen when it sends Austria-Hungary a blank cheque assuring the nation of their support, although it is believed that the cheque was more than just a sign of support, the cheque was more so a demand from Germany to Austria, pressing them to wage war on Serbia immediately. The German dispatches between the Kaiser and the German Ambassador in Vienna are affirmation that Germany seized an opportunity to finally settle the dispute with Serbia once and for all (dispatches). In addition, Germany’s decision to support its ally Austria-Hungary was not only a decision that was beneficial to Austria but it was a result of