Germany And Austria Hungary example essay topic

Europe in modern times has always been faced with the problem of war, and this war was bound to erupt sooner or later. Many events and countries have contributed to the outbreak which has now led to what authorities are calling "The First World War". No one has ever seen such brutality, such devastation. The war which has broken out this summer of 1914 is unlike any previous conflict. But its hard to believe that a war so big has only 5 main participants: Britain, France, Russia, Germany and Austria - Hungary. European countries have failed to develop ways of settling their differences and living together in peace.

The formation of rival alliances and the adoption of a policy of militarism have been the outcomes from the countries being driven apart by things such as nationalism and economic rivalry. In the late 19th and early 20th century, two opposing alliances were formed in the most powerful nation of Europe. Conflict between them grew, ensuring that the conditions of war were present, a lot earlier than when soldiers went into action in 1914. After a victory in war against France in 1871, the German Empire was formed. The ruler of Germany from 1888, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was determined to turn his empire into a world power. In order to do so, he built up Germany's industry and its armed forces.

In particular, a new navy was to be created by the Kaiser, which would rival Britain's fleet. Tension grew rapidly between the two nations as a result of this arms race. Germany joined Austria - Hungary and Italy in 1882 to form the Triple Alliance which created three allies known as the Central Powers. They agrees to help each other in the event of enemy attack. The alliance's most powerful member was Germany, with Italy being the weakest and anxious to avoid a war as they had become a united kingdom and the Austro - Hungarian Empire was crumbling.

In the early 20th century, Britain was a great industrial nation with a worldwide empire, with the country's main protector being its strong navy, therefore the army was small and not compulsory. Britain kept a close eye on Germany's military build up to preserve its own position of power in not hern Europe. After being defeated in the Franco - Prussian War, France lost provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany, which was a great blow to national pride. The French vowed to win them back. In 1904, Britain and France (with its Anti - German feelings) formed the Entente Cordiale.

From 1894, the Russian Empire was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, but its army was poorly equipped and they had no desire for war. They were compelled, however, to support the Serbs against Austria - Hungary. 1907 came and another alliance was formed - The Russians, Britain and France formed the Triple Entente. This now meant that the Triple Alliance faced potential enemies to east and west. War now seamed likely...

Germany believed it was inevitable. Archduke Franz Ferinand was heir to the throne of Austria - Hungary and in June, 1914, made an official visit to the city of Sarajevo in Bosnia - Herzegovina with his believed wife Sophie accompanying him. The events that took place that day finally plunged the world into a full scale world war. Bosnia - Herzegovina had been an official part of the Austro - Hungarian Empire since 1908. The Serbians' and Slavs' believed that their nation should be part of the neighboring Slav state of Serbia. Some people were prepared to use violence to gain independence from the Austro - Hungarian Empire - including members of a secret society known as the Black Hand.

As part of the Black hands campaign for independence they planned to assassinate the Archduke. Although 6 of the men failed, the 7th, a 10 year old, shot and killed both Franz Ferinand and his wife. Their deaths brought political crisis to Europe. Austria - Hungary decided to take a firm stand against Serbia of whom they believed had supported this act of terrorism. The emperor of Austria - Hungary got the assurance that the Kaiser would come to their aid if war broke out and on 23rd July, he sent Serbia an ultimatum. The ultimatum contained many demands.

All organisations in Serbia that were plotting against Austria - Hungary were to be stopped. When Serbia replied on 25th July, it agreed to most of the demands and none were rejected outright. However, this was too late. Austria - Hungary has already decided war was necessary. War was declared at 11.10 am on 28th July 1914. The systems of alliances began to operate at once.

At the present moment Germany is backing Austria - Hungary, although Italy is remaining neutral. Russia has sided with the Serbs and France is backing Russia, its partner in the Triple Entente. We have a report from a young soldier fighting for Germany who managed to briefly talk to our reporters... "When we set off for France this month, we expected an easy victory and a rapid return home.

We were told the trip would be an "Excursion to Paris". But there is little to none truth in that. The world is in chaos and there is no one to point the finger at, no one to blame. If only it were that easy... ". 'Anonymous' If only it were that easy...

Everyone is to blame for this war, we only hope it won't take as long to end as it took to start.