What single event triggered the start of first World War?
The correct answer is The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
- There were many factors that led up to the start of World War I in Europe- they are Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination. Each of these topics played a significant role in the reasons why WWI would begin. It is widely believed that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife during a visit to Serbia is the spark that ignited the conflict of World War I.
Key Points
- Militarism: Militarism was a long-term cause of the war; due to the length of time it takes a country to build its military to the strength necessary to wage a major war.
- Alliances: Alliances are seen as a long-term cause of WWI. Due to the secret alliances created by between nations, it is inevitable that a disagreement between two nations will lead to the involvement of many nations, who have secretly agreed to help one another. These alliances take time to develop; thus, they are a long-term cause.
- Nationalism: Nationalism is a long-term cause of WWI. Like many of the other causes, nationalism takes time to create. Germany was extremely proud of the military power that it had become after the Franco-Prussian War. Also with the growth of Pan-Slavism or the unification of all Slavic peoples, protected by Russia, the areas around Serbia became very unstable. The Serbians were prepared to create their own independent Slavic state supported by the Russians. This will lead to what we call the “Balkan Powder Keg” or an area in the Balkans that would only take a minor issue to explode into full-on war.
- Imperialism: Imperialism also takes time to develop in terms of establishing the dominance needed to secure another nation/county. Therefore, imperialism is seen as a long-term cause of WWI. Many nations from around the globe were competing for control of colonies in order to gain land, resources, and influence. Specifically, Germany was attempting to control lands in Africa, a place that Britain and France were already established.
- Assassination: However, there was one single event, the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, which started a chain of events leading to war. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a short-term cause of the war.
