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Causes of WWI: Imperialism and Mobilization

World leaders failed to prevent the escalation of a regional conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia into a general European war due to intensifying imperialism and militarization. Despite efforts from Russia to keep the conflict localized, the mobilization of armies and alliances led to increased tensions, ultimately resulting in Germany declaring war on Russia. The competition and hostility between major powers eroded trust and contributed to the outbreak of war across Europe.

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4 views1 page

Causes of WWI: Imperialism and Mobilization

World leaders failed to prevent the escalation of a regional conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia into a general European war due to intensifying imperialism and militarization. Despite efforts from Russia to keep the conflict localized, the mobilization of armies and alliances led to increased tensions, ultimately resulting in Germany declaring war on Russia. The competition and hostility between major powers eroded trust and contributed to the outbreak of war across Europe.

Uploaded by

kathugy
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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​ World leaders failed to prevent a regional conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia

after the assassination from becoming a general European war because imperialism was
intensifying competition. European powers were expanding their empires and colonizing areas
of the world, creating more competition for land, resources, and global prestige. Militarization
was increasing tensions. Tensions existed among many of the major nations prior to the war
such as Russia and Germany, and these conflicting ambitions contributed to the war's
escalation.
​ From document 2 and 3 we can see that both Russia was willing to keep the war local in
order to maintain world peace. The Tsar was willing to “try and avoid such a calamity as a
European war” and asked Kaiser for a guarantee that they would not get into conflict. However
Kaiser, the ruler of Germany, “ cannot consider Austria’s action against Serbia an ignoble war”,
therefore he suggested Russia to be a spectator without getting Europe involved.
However, although both of them don’t want to get involved with the war, the growing
tension from their allies and mobilization of their enemy had forced them to mobilize. The
German government justified military action against Russia as necessary because of Russian
aggression as demonstrated by the mobilization of the Russian army that had resulted in
Germany mobilizing in response. The Tsar had “reasons of defense on account of Austria’s
preparations (document4)”, while the Kaiser had “responsibility for the safety of my empire
forces preventive measures of defense upon me.(document5)”. These actions taken by
governments of Russia and Germany had pressured their friendship, therefore Kaiser issued
the ultimatum “the peace of Europe may still be maintained by you, if Russia will agree to stop
the military measures which must threaten Germany and Austro-Hungary.(document5)”
Since Russia answered by saying Russian mobilization “does not mean war” and
therefore continuing mobilizing, Kaiser responded saying he“ have obliged to mobilize his
army(document7)”. These competitions of mobilization and desire led to the war between
Germany and Russia in which Russia began to mobilize in support of Serbia, Germany felt
obligated to defend its ally and declared war on Russia.
Competition and hostility have led to a loss of trust and an intransigence between
Germany and Russia. Due to competitive mobilization pressure, and growing tension between
Serbia who was allied with Russia, and Austria who was allied with Germany, a war among
Europeans broke out and world peace had fallen.

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