Why did Peace Fail in 1914 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

why did Peace Fail in 1914 - Essay ExampleThe main European countries that had developed considerable agent in the continent included Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia (Keegan, 1999, p38-39). This paper explores various factors that made it virtually impossible for pacification to prevail during the First World War. First World War broke out shortly later the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the Hapsburg throne by Serbian terrorists in 1914. However, the incident was not the cause, still a catalyst for large scale conflict that had been looming in Europe for a long time. divers(a) factors had contributed significantly to the gradual build up of the war in Europe. Joll and Martel (2006) indentified scotch rivalries, increased nationalism, imperialism, and militarism in admission to formation of alliance systems as the major causes of First World War. Economic rivalry among European indicators had give out intense in the late 19th century and at beginning of the 20th century. harmonize to Kennedy (1988, p72), sparing competition for everywhereseas markets, especially between Great Britain and Germany had reached epic levels. According to David (2005), Great Britain was the undisputed economic power in much of the 19th century and its strong multitude forces had galvanized the countrys go down as the leading superpower in Europe and in the world. However, unification of Germany into a nation enjoin accompanied by ambitious economic policies stimulated unprecedented development, which challenged Great Britains influence in the continent. One of the major causes of economic rivalry was trade disputes, arising from tariffs imposed on goods of competing countries in the overseas markets. According to Fussel (2000), tariff disputes emerged not only between Germany and Britain, but other growing economies in the region, such as Italy and France, Serbia and Austria, in addition to Germany and Russia among other trading partners. The subsequent economic competition resulted into tense and suspicious transaction between concerned countries, making war inevitable. Large-scale militarisation was one of the major consequences of increasing competition between rival countries in Europe. According to Keegan (1999), each country attempted to build and strengthen its military power leading to arms race in European continent. Between 1870 and 1914, David (2005, p107) noted that military cost among the competing countries in Europe increased by 300 percent. Most countries introduced mandatory conscription of all citizens higher up eighteen years into the armed forces. Development of Germanys military was particularly phenomenal. According to Kennedy (1988, p69), the country had over 8 million soldiers compared to Britains 750,000 in 1913. Although Britain had one of the best trained and equipped military, the growth of Germanys defence forces was a major cause of tension in Europe. According to F ussel (2000), Germanys military power was vastly superior to France, one of Great Britains allies. In addition, Germany naval expansion presented a authoritative threat to Great Britains security. Germanys rapid economic growth and superior military figurehead aggravated its quest for more power and influence in Europe. Germanys military build up and consistent aggressive rhetoric indicated that the country was prepared for large-scale war, with an intention of challenging other powers in the continent. The period before eruption of First World War was characterized by stiff competition for colonies in other continents especially in Africa and Asia. Industrial revolution in Europe necessitated the need for more innate resources, and