6.2 MAIN causes of WW1
Total War
1) Nationalism: The intense sense of pride and loyalty towards one's own nation led to heightened tensions between countries. This sense of national pride fueled rivalries and increased the likelihood of conflict.
2) Imperialism: The scramble for colonies and resources created competition among European powers, leading to conflicts over territory and influence. Imperialism also created a complex network of alliances, which significantly escalated the war once it began.
3) Militarism: The arms race between European powers created a sense of insecurity and fear, leading to an increase in military spending and the development of powerful armed forces. This militaristic mindset made war more likely as nations believed in the superiority of their military capabilities.
4) Alliance system: The intricate system of alliances created a web of obligations and commitments among nations. When one country was attacked, its allies were bound to come to its defense. This system of alliances, particularly the formation of opposing blocs - the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and the UK) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) - created a volatile situation where a regional conflict could quickly escalate into a global war.
5) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914 served as a catalyst for the outbreak of war. The incident led to a chain of events, including the issuing of ultimatums, declarations of war, and the mobilization of troops, which ultimately resulted in the start of World War I.
Total War:
Total war refers to the complete mobilization of a nation's resources and population for war effort. In World War I, both the Allies and the Central Powers engaged in total war, which had several main causes:
1) Industrialization: The industrial revolution had transformed economies, allowing for mass production and the ability to sustain prolonged conflicts. This led to increased weapon production, transportation capabilities, and the ability to support large armies.
2) Technological advancements: The advent of new technologies such as machine guns, tanks, chemical weapons, and airplanes revolutionized warfare. These advances led to a significant increase in the destructive power of weapons and contributed to the concept of total war.
3) Propaganda: Governments used propaganda to mobilize their populations and encourage support for the war effort. Propaganda campaigns aimed at promoting patriotism, demonizing the enemy, and encouraging recruitment and sacrifice.
4) Conscription: Many countries implemented compulsory military service, drafting large numbers of citizens into the armed forces. This allowed for the mass mobilization of armies, ensuring a steady supply of soldiers to fight on the front lines.
5) Economic warfare: Governments imposed economic control, rationing, and restrictions on trade to support their war efforts. Additionally, countries seized enemy assets, imposed trade blockades, and targeted enemy infrastructure, aiming to weaken the enemy's economy and reduce their ability to wage war.
Overall, the causes of World War I and the concept of total war were intertwined, as the various factors that led to the outbreak of war also contributed to the war's scale and intensity once it began.