This worksheet explores the complex web of causes that led to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It's designed to move beyond simple memorization and encourage critical thinking about the historical context and interconnectedness of events. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial to comprehending the scale and devastation of the war.
Section 1: The Spark and the Tinder – Immediate and Underlying Causes
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited the war, but it was merely the spark that ignited a vast pile of tinder. Let's examine both:
1.1 The Spark:
- Describe the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Who was he? Who assassinated him? Where and when did it happen? What was the immediate response of Austria-Hungary?
1.2 The Tinder (Underlying Causes): Briefly explain the role each factor played in escalating tensions and making war more likely.
- Militarism: How did the arms race and the glorification of military power contribute to the outbreak of war? Provide specific examples.
- Alliances: Explain the system of alliances in Europe before 1914. How did these alliances contribute to the rapid escalation of the conflict? Draw a simple diagram showing the major alliances.
- Imperialism: How did competition for colonies and resources fuel tensions between European powers? Provide specific examples of colonial rivalries.
- Nationalism: How did intense national pride and the desire for self-determination contribute to the outbreak of war? Provide specific examples of nationalist movements.
Section 2: The Domino Effect – Analyzing the Chain Reaction
The assassination triggered a chain reaction. Let's trace the key events:
- Austria-Hungary's Ultimatum to Serbia: What were the main demands? Why were these demands considered unacceptable by Serbia?
- Russia's Mobilization: Why did Russia mobilize its troops in response to Austria-Hungary's actions? What was the significance of this mobilization?
- Germany's Declaration of War: Explain Germany's declaration of war on Russia and France. What was the Schlieffen Plan, and what was its intended goal?
- Great Britain's Entry into the War: Why did Great Britain enter the war? What role did the violation of Belgian neutrality play?
Section 3: Critical Thinking and Analysis
- The "Main" Cause: Which of the underlying causes do you believe was the most significant in causing World War I? Justify your answer with evidence.
- Preventable War?: Do you think World War I was inevitable, or could it have been prevented? Explain your reasoning. What actions, if any, could have been taken to avoid the conflict?
- Long-Term Consequences: Briefly discuss some of the long-term consequences of World War I (e.g., Treaty of Versailles, rise of extremist ideologies).
Section 4: Further Research (Optional)
Choose one of the underlying causes (Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, or Nationalism) and conduct further research. Write a short paragraph summarizing your findings and providing additional examples or perspectives.
This worksheet provides a framework for understanding the complex causes of World War I. Remember to use historical sources and evidence to support your answers. By critically analyzing these events, you'll gain a much deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
