Discuss The Role Of Alliances In The Origin Of War In 1914

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"THE ROLE OF ALLIANCES IN THE ORIGIN AND EXPANSION OF THE WAR IN 1914 HAS BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED"

The role of alliances in the origin and expansion of the war in 1914 was not greatly exaggerated, but instead played a crucial role in how a war between two countries then became a world war. Alliances played two major roles in World War One, these were the origin and how alliances impacted on the origin of the war and the expansion of the war in 1914. Leading up to the war it built tension among countries, as well as providing security. It impacted greatly on the expansion as diplomatic efforts failed, and this could be partially attributed to the German war plan (Schlieffen Plan), which inevitably had them refused a conference which may have …show more content…

Alliances are formed to provide a partnership that leads to mutual benefit and provides security, but this in turn created an origin for the war. This was objectively observed by Frank B Kellogg, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who once said “I know that military alliances and armament have been the reliance for peace for centuries, but they do not produce peace; and when war comes, as it inevitably does under such conditions, these armaments and alliances but intensify and broaden the conflict.” As Austria-Hungary seeked reassurance from Germany that they would have their support in the face of war, with this assurance they then declared war, whereas if there was no support then there may have never been a war. Another contribution was Serbia’s role, as when given an ultimatum from Austria-Hungary (which was one both sides new would not be accepted) they turned to their ally Russia for support. Russia’s vast army was estimated to take eight weeks to mobilize, given an expected need to support Serbia in war, they mobilised their army which was taken as a serious threat for Austria-Hungary perspective. These two countries in seeking support from their main ally, sequentially create a significant origin for the

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