Introduction to ww1:
World War 1 began on the 28th of July 1914 and lasted until November the 11th, 1918. World War 1 is also known as the great war due to a large percentage of the world being involved. Over 100 countries were involved during 1914 to 1918. Most of Europe was at war, and other countries were drawn in to the conflict due to colonial ties. (Wilde)
Leading up to 1914, tension had been growing between European countries. They had been competing with each other to build vaster, more powerful empires. Major European countries also competed for superior armed forces; between 1870 & 1914, military spending increased by 300%.
Franz Ferdinand, who was the archduke and heir to the throne of Austro-Hungary & his wife were murdered by members of the group ‘Young Bosnia’, Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for the murder. Austria-Hungary sought the help of Germany because Serbia was supported by Russia. Austria-Hungary was encouraged by Germany to declare war on Serbia, they did this on July the 28th, 1914. Russia made it clear that they would support Serbia; France also decided that they would stand by Russia. On July the 30th, Tsar Nicholas II ordered the Russian army to assemble. On the 1st of August 1914, Germany declared war on Russia because they had threatened Germany by mobilising their army. France then mobilised their army in support of their ally Russia. Germany activated it’s Schlieffen Plan where they would defeat France by going through the small state of Belgium. The Schlieffen plan was thought out so that more power could be directed at Russia’s slow mobilising army. This was a well thought out plan because it meant that Germany wouldn’t have to attack through France’s heavily fortified front lines. The Schlieffen plan had one major flaw, it was unforseen that Belgium would oppose this plan. On the 2nd of August Germany demanded access for its army through Belgium, but then Belgium rejected this demand. On August the 3rd, Germany still declared war on France and German troops crossed the Belgian border. On August the 4th, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany for invading Belgium. This was because Britain had a long-standing alliance with Belgium.
Leading up to 1914, tension had been growing between European countries. They had been competing with each other to build vaster, more powerful empires. Major European countries also competed for superior armed forces; between 1870 & 1914, military spending increased by 300%.
Franz Ferdinand, who was the archduke and heir to the throne of Austro-Hungary & his wife were murdered by members of the group ‘Young Bosnia’, Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for the murder. Austria-Hungary sought the help of Germany because Serbia was supported by Russia. Austria-Hungary was encouraged by Germany to declare war on Serbia, they did this on July the 28th, 1914. Russia made it clear that they would support Serbia; France also decided that they would stand by Russia. On July the 30th, Tsar Nicholas II ordered the Russian army to assemble. On the 1st of August 1914, Germany declared war on Russia because they had threatened Germany by mobilising their army. France then mobilised their army in support of their ally Russia. Germany activated it’s Schlieffen Plan where they would defeat France by going through the small state of Belgium. The Schlieffen plan was thought out so that more power could be directed at Russia’s slow mobilising army. This was a well thought out plan because it meant that Germany wouldn’t have to attack through France’s heavily fortified front lines. The Schlieffen plan had one major flaw, it was unforseen that Belgium would oppose this plan. On the 2nd of August Germany demanded access for its army through Belgium, but then Belgium rejected this demand. On August the 3rd, Germany still declared war on France and German troops crossed the Belgian border. On August the 4th, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany for invading Belgium. This was because Britain had a long-standing alliance with Belgium.