Was Russia Responsible For Ww1

Russia is the most responsible for WWI because they were the first to apply pressure on the other countries through mobilization, and their part in the war lead to the involvement of a majority of half of Europe. As mentioned in the video, Russia had no reason to mobilize their troops when the Austrians declared war on Serbia because the Austrians could not ready their forces for another two weeks. Even if the Austrians had mobilized, their attack was on Belgrade, not Russia. Russia was also the first to put a war machine into action and their mobilization left other countries with no other option but to prepare for war. Selfishly, Russia was mainly trying to rebuild nationalism in their politically weakened country after the humiliation they

suffered from the Russo-Japanese War and believed that a victory would be the key for power. Additionally, when the Austrians declared ultimatum on Serbia, Russia stood by them as allies for protection but this served as the catalyst for involving a majority of Europe. Since they were a part of the Triple Entente, Russia, England and France held a lot of strengths and worked together. After the construction of a trading railway that was built along Germany’s borders, this seemed like a threat to the Germans that their enemies (in the Triple Entente) could be distributing weapons for war, and ultimately left them with decision to act on it. The Germans then came to Austria-Hungary’s aid and declared war on Russia and France. Additionally, Russia also had an alliance with France that obligated them to attack Germany should France go to war with Germany. This eventually leads to Britain’s involvement. If Russia had stayed out of the matter between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, there might not have been any more involvement and this issue might have remained a regional battle.