The First World War went down as the deadliest conflict in history, with over 17 million deaths and 20 million injuries ("WW1 Casualties"). Although, what possible reason could ‘justify’ over 37 million casualties? Like many historical events, WW1 transpired in wake from equally influential events, like a domino effect. In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip sparked the initial outbreak of fighting, and WW1 began. Yet, this wasn’t the sole reason for war. Many historians debate the cause of WW1, arguing who and what was to blame. Militarism is when military strength is prioritized and aimed to be the greatest. Governments and leaders who failed to maintain armies and navies were viewed as weak or unskillful (Llewellyn). This caused the European powers to keep building their armies up in order to be better than each other. The militaristic plans of the powers caused international tensions, inevitably causing the First World War.
Britain …show more content…
It was the operation plan designed by German, Alfred von Schlieffen in December 1905. The plan was planned for a designated attack on France once Russia would start mobilizing. Schlieffen stated France to be Germany’s most dangerous opponent. Schlieffen believed that although Russia was stronger than France, they would take longer to mobilize their army ("The Schlieffen Plan”). Hence, believing Germany was easily capable of defeating France, they would defeat France while Russia mobilized (Trueman).
The Schlieffen Plan was bold, yet evidently had an amount of glaring flaws. Schlieffen’s plan was highly based on assumptions. He assumed that Russia would take a minimum of six weeks to mobilize and that Germany would have to defeat France in a maximum of six weeks. He also relied on Britain staying neutral to get through to Russia and the actions of Russia determining when Germany would attack, despite if they were ready or
Britain …show more content…
It was the operation plan designed by German, Alfred von Schlieffen in December 1905. The plan was planned for a designated attack on France once Russia would start mobilizing. Schlieffen stated France to be Germany’s most dangerous opponent. Schlieffen believed that although Russia was stronger than France, they would take longer to mobilize their army ("The Schlieffen Plan”). Hence, believing Germany was easily capable of defeating France, they would defeat France while Russia mobilized (Trueman).
The Schlieffen Plan was bold, yet evidently had an amount of glaring flaws. Schlieffen’s plan was highly based on assumptions. He assumed that Russia would take a minimum of six weeks to mobilize and that Germany would have to defeat France in a maximum of six weeks. He also relied on Britain staying neutral to get through to Russia and the actions of Russia determining when Germany would attack, despite if they were ready or