was world was 1 avoidable?

Question

i wanted to know for my history homework if world war one was avoidable or not? did there have to be a world war one ?

Answer 1

In theory, yes, what was a local difficulty spread because of the alliances of all the great powers. Had Russia, Germany, England, France etc not gotten involved, only those directly concerned could have been allowed to sort themselves out. However these alliances did exist and drew them in. And it certainly wasn't like WW2, where the aggressor nation was so terrible that no civilised country could afford to stand aside. Imperial Germany was no Nazi Germany.

Answer 2

All human actions are avoidable in theory, and even more so in hindsight. I'm not gonna do your homework for you, but world war one happened partly as a result of the particular alliances between the various European states that were in existence in 1914 (for instance, if Britain hadn't pledged to defend Belgium, the war wouldn't have happened, but then why did they pledge to defend Belgium?) and partly because a small bunch of Serbian nationalists decided to assassinate the Austrian Archduke and his wife, and moreover, managed to pull it off. If Gavrilo Princip had missed, the war might never have happened. Although it still might have, maybe later on.

Wars are like air accidents - they never happen for just one reason. Go back and look at all the things that had to be in place - the Schlieffen plan, Wilhelm II's ambitions to be a global emperor etc. See if taking any one of them out of the equation would mean that it wouldn't have happened.

Answer 3

Yes.

It was a stupid war that happened because everyone wanted a bigger part of the cake. The French wanted Alsace-Lorraine back and "vendetta" for their defeat in the war of 1871 against Prussia, the British feared Germany, cos it was getting too powerful, even at sea, Russia and Austria were expecting to increase their influence in the Balkans, Italy had territorial claims, Germany felt surrounded and threatened,etc. In fact, it happened accidentally though everyone was expecting and looking forward to the war. It was basically an imperialistic war desired to change the world balance of power for the benefit of one alliance or the other.

There was enough room for talking and to reach and agreement, but everyone thought that war was a better option to reach their ambitions an targets, and everyone was sure about their victory.

Answer 4

at the time probably not.....

knowing what we know now it might have been. however hindsight is a perfect world that doesn't actually exist. Had the other nations (Germany and Russia) not come to the rescue of their allies (and dragging in other allies) then it may not have occurred. Had Russia and Germany conselled calm and patience then mebbe the war could have been averted. Bear in mind that even now protagonists dont have full knowledge (despite the sophisticated intelligence gathering - WMD anyone?))

Bear in mind that Germany was hellbent on expansion, it wanted a "share" of the colonial benefits from Africa. Its entirely possible that there could have been further conflict bvetween France and Germany (especailly as the French held a grudge over the lossess they suffered in their futile attack on Prissui int he 1870's). Alsace Lorraine was still a thorny issue in the 1930's.

to a certain extent it sums up the danger of relying on treaties and others to protect you (you dont know what the other party may be doing or relying on) soem states may use that treaty as a way of being "unreasonable" or "irrational" and not be prepared to settle their disagreements amicably.

Answer 5

Too much nationalism in the air all around Europe at the time. Everyone was spoiling for a fight they thought they could win.

Germany felt behind in the imperialistic game with so few colonies so there was also resentment brooding.

The network of treaties and alliances which were suppose to unite countries ended up causing a nightmare of obligations. Britian went to war over Germany crossing thru Belgium to get to France for example.

The whole of Europe was one big powderkeg and the Archduke's assassination was the spark that set it off. \if he hadn't been killed something else would have sparked it.

Answer 6

Probably not. Tensions in the area had been at bursting-point for ages, and the Austro Hungarian Empire was in turmoil, particularly in relation to Bosnia.

Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated by Gavrilo Princips, and that event was the final straw, and the catalyst needed to throw the world into a war.

Answer 7

Much has been written on the causes of WWI, but it all boils down to the inevitable failure of Empires and Monarchies to generate sufficient economic opportunities for their peoples.

During the 20th Century mankind also experimented with Socialism, Fascism, and Communism. All now sit in the scrap heap of history.

Only Democracy coupled with Capitalism has proven itself able to supply the wants and needs of its people. The number of democracies has quadrupled over the past half century. Now Democracy is challenged by a vicious foe, but will eventually triumph because Islamofascim is an inefficient generator and distributor of scarce resources....that is, if the West can muster the will, which we increasingly seem unable to do.

Answer 8

Probably not avoidable.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was about dissolve into a terrible civil war. Other nations got in on the action.

Answer 9

it was not actually a world war, it mainly occurred in europe i think and the reason ANZACS(Australia, New Zealand army corps)were drafted in was they are part of the commonwealth. Other countries involved, from the continent of Africa, Eastern Europe were called upon or enlisted to protect their own interests

Answer 10

all wars are avoidable if the people in power are peaceful. Put Madmen in power and you get what the world has become today.