effects of wars
The onset of WW I marked a turning point in the history of mankind, dramatically redefining the nature of warfare. The brutal restructuring of national policies to involve the entire nation, from industrial production to unwarranted assaults upon civilians, represents a tragic shift. The severity of this change warrants examination of both the general historical factors and specific events that produced such dire consequences, as well as speculation on whether WWI may have been avoided. Historians largely look toward two general trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The rapid economic development and industrial growth that occurred in the 19th century, coupled with the diminishing availability of abundant resources, fostered a high sense of nationalism among Europeans. Nationalistic rivalries appeared throughout Europe. Britain jealously guarded its diminishing status as the world power, harboring much negative sentiment towards prosperous Germany. Meanwhile, under the lead of the militaristic Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany attempted to rush its own emergence as an economic powerhouse. Kaiser Wilhelm, both jealous of being shut out of the colonial race and hoping to preserve Germany's rise, cultivated
Deferment of the onset of fighting, through lack of a German declaration, may have afforded world powers time necessary to develop effective strategies for the swift resolution of the conflict. Through examination of the causes of WWI, it becomes evident that they were both general and specific. Even the most prominent political and military leaders lacked a true sense of what combat entailed. Nationalism coupled with idealistic militarism left no choice in this matter. WWI may have only been avoidable in hindsight. Those who sought to hold their ground and could be quickly reinforced were more successful than those who attacked. A defensive plan would have allowed Germany to answer Russian challenges without the instigation of war, not only leaving it possible for tensions to fade but also keeping Germany out of immediate conflict. Britain, as an alternative to the declaration of war, could have accepted Germany's pledge to honor the territorial integrity of Belgium and France; this would have preserved British interests and lives, as well as shortened the war considerably. The highly probable German victory on the continent would have yielded a European economic union similar to the one that exists today. Unfortunately, Schlieffen's policy left his nation no choice but to attack. Better diplomatic decisions on the part of any of the great powers, particularly Germany or Britain, could have both considerably reduced the severity and greatly altered the outcome of WWI. Germany initiated battle with all except Britain, but even then Britain was drawn in by German actions. Historians look at actions by certain groups or individuals as having been responsible for spurring the chaos of WWI.
Common topics in this essay:
Britain German,
,
Franz Ferdinand's,
Alternatively Britain,
Germans German,
Russo-Japanese War,
WWI Germany,
Unfortunately Schlieffen's,
France Belgium,
Belgium France,
schlieffen plan,
nationalistic fervor,
german actions,
kaiser wilhelm,
matter actions,
world powers,
german promises,
nature war,
war schlieffen,
war idealistic,
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Acceptance Essays
