CAPE History IA Draft

Research Question
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the spark that set in
motion, the chain of events that led to the start of World War 1.
Aims and Objectives

In this study the researcher will:
1. Assess the view that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was
to tipping point of “the great war”
2. Analyse the minor causes of World War 1
3. Evaluate the consequences on World War 1
Introduction
World War 1, also called “the war to end all wars” by many, was the
world's first global conflict. Previous studies showed that the assassination of
Austro-Hungarian’s Archduke and his wife on June 28, 1914 was what initially
set off the chain of events that later led to the war on August 01, 1914. There
was also evidence that several countries such as France, Germany and Russia
later took sides (triple entente and triple alliance) and entered the war. However,
while this paper will highlight this major cause, my research will focus more so
on the minor causes and their consequences. This research paper first evaluates
sources which further elaborate on my main objective, then goes on to discuss
the turning point of the war-the assassination and finally discusses the minor
issues that contributed to the war.
Evaluation of Sources
While conducting this study the researcher collected information from
several online sources in an attempt to gather reliable and relevant data that
coincides with her study. World War 1 started in 1914 after the archduke’s
assassination and lasted until 1918.
As several minor factors played into the great war, there were quite a few
consequences that followed. Majority of the soldiers that went to the front line
to fight didn’t make it home, European countries went bankrupt due to war
expenses and hunger wiped out thousands of civilians.
According to Levy (2014), the effects of World War 1 was most
definitely felt and not just by the countries that were directly impacted but on a
worldwide scale (www.Britannica.com). Levy stated that World War 1 was at
the time, the most destructive war in history. In other words, the majority
suffered and there was great loss. It is said to have destroyed economies, led to
massive starvation and political and social upheaval throughout Europe. It was
also responsible for some of the world’s leading empires collapsing. According
to Levy, the “great war” contributed significantly to the Bolshevik Revolution
of Russia and set the stage for the rise of Hitler and the second World War.
Among all the negative effects that stemmed from World War 1 stood
some positive ones. The experience of the war generated new literacy, poetry,
art, and film (History.com)
The turning point of World War 1

During this time things were making a turn for the best and countries were
seeking to be on top of their games. Weapons developing, alliances were being
formed which also meant that militaries were being combined, one was showing
great loyalty to their country and those they allied with, and countries were
being colonized by “the bigger heads”. As such the great war was always
lingering because these countries wanted to prove their superiority.
It was not until however, the assassination of the archduke, Franz Ferdinand
and his wife that really sent the war into full effect.upon visiting the capital of
Bosnia, Sarajevo, the archduke, and his wife were shot by Gavrilo Princip, a
member of the Black Hand Society.
The Black Hand Society wanted to destroy Austria-Hungarian the rules and
those placed in control of Bosnia and Herzegovina and unite the south Slav
people into a federal nation. Princip believed that the first step was to
assassinate a member of the Habsburg imperial family or a high official of
government (www.Britannica.com).
It was this that set in motion the chain of events that further led to the start of
World War 1 after Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible declaring war and
the alliances that were formed joined the war and that was the start of World
War 1.
The minor causes of World War 1
World War 1, like many other wars, was never because of any single issue.
Several minor factors when put together became a huge problem and from here
initiated World War. Based on information acquired for History.com, stronger
countries at that time capturing and ruling/dominating smaller countries,
weapons and military items were just on the rise as they were becoming more
developed and several countries were investing in their militaries, countries
were establishing and securing their alliances with each other if something
should happen and the civilians along with alliances were holding on to the
loyalty they had for these countries.
The late 19th century according to worldwar1factst.org, was an era of military
competition among European powers and the whole idea of “excellent military
force” was judged relative to neighbours. Germany was highly focused on
expanding its army which eventually did happen however with Britain present
there was no contest in the naval race as the British have always been on the top
and continue to maintain naval superiority. Though this was the period in which
several countries were seeking to grow their military, many countries took a
back seat as they were afraid of the scale of the war and the amount of
bloodshed that would occur if a war should ever happen as Britain was well
advanced.
According to www.Britannica.com, several alliances had been signed by
countries between 1870 and 1914, effectively creating two camps (Triple
Alliance and Triple Entente) bound by commitment to maintain sovereignty.
These were important because it meant that countries had to declare war once
one of their allies declared war first.
When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia got involved to defend
Serbia. Germany, seeing that Russia had entered the war, declared war on
Russia. During this all France was pulled in to fight against Germany and
Austria-Hungary and the chain went on until several allies of both Serbia and
Austria-Hungary were fighting against each other.
Before World War 1, several European countries had made competing claims
in Africa and parts of Asia which caused contention. By 1900, the British had
control over five continents and France had control of large areas of Africa and
this somehow increased the rivalry with Germany who did manage to acquire
colonies, but they were small areas in Africa. The increasing competition and
desire for greater empires and larger colonies led to an increase in confrontation
that helped push the world into World War 1 (www.History.com).
Nationalism was also a source of tension in Europe as it was linked to
militarism and imperial power. Nationalism in many of the countries throughout
Europe contributed to both the beginning and the extension of the war as every
country wanted to prove their dominance and power.
Conclusion
Several factors such as Imperialism and Militarism contributed to World War 1
however it wasn’t set in motion until Franz Ferdinand, heir of Austria-Hungary
and his wife was assassinated. The war lasted from 1914 through to 1918.
After the war came to an end, there were aftereffects. The consequences of the
war can be divided into three (3) categories: Economic and Social, Political, and
ideological. The economic and social factors included countries in bankruptcy
due to funding the war and each country’s economy was focused on winning,
the political factors encompass Germany losing its territories and territorial
changes and the ideological factor was the prosecution of intellects because they
did not agree with the war.

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Research Question

Aims and Objectives

The turning point of World War 1

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