Question

The First World War was unique in history. In this context, answer the following:

1. Any three causes that led to the war.
2. The extent and methods used in this war.
3. Economic consequences of this war.

Answer 1

1. Causes of the War:
   1. Militant Nationalism: Germany’s emperor, Kaiser William II, wanted to establish Germany as a world leader and build a vast empire. This ambition fostered intense nationalism and competition with other nations.
   2. Armament Race: Nations like Germany, Britain, and France raced to build their armies and navies. Germany, seeking to protect its colonies, focused on expanding its military, leading to tension with Britain and France. Countries felt forced to increase their armaments in response to each other.
   3. The split of Europe into two armed camps happened with the formation of two alliances. In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary signed a treaty to support each other in case of an enemy attack. Later, Italy joined this alliance, forming the Triple Alliance. On the other side, the Triple Entente emerged, consisting of Britain, France, and Russia. Tensions between these two rival alliances grew, increasing hostility and eventually leading to the outbreak of World War I.
2. Extent and Methods of the War:
   1. Extent: Unlike earlier wars, civilians were deeply affected during World War I. It was a “total war” that involved all human and economic resources. Civilian casualties were caused by bombing, starvation, and diseases.
   2. Methods: New weapons like machine guns, tanks, and submarines (V-boats) were used. For the first time, aircraft were deployed to bomb civilian areas, and Britain introduced tanks, which became crucial later.
3. Economic Consequences: The war was economically devastating, involving 86 nations and costing about $186 billion. Entire cities, farms, and factories were destroyed, severely affecting global trade.