Writes Essay Using Marcking Scheme

The First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that took place between 1914 and 1918. It was one of the deadliest wars in human history, claiming the lives of millions of people and leading to significant political, social, and economic changes. In this essay, I will explore the causes and effects of the First World War, using the IBDP history IA marking scheme as a guideline. Causes of the First World War The causes of the First World War are complex and multifaceted, but they can be broadly categorized into long-term and immediate factors. Long-term factors include the arms race, the system of alliances, and the rise of nationalism. The immediate causes of the war include the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and the subsequent diplomatic crises that followed. The arms race between the major powers of Europe was a significant long-term cause of the First World War. European nations, particularly Germany and Great Britain, were engaged in a naval arms race, with each country seeking to build the most powerful navy in the world. This arms race was costly, and it strained the economies of the participating nations. Another long-term cause of the First World War was the system of alliances that existed between the major powers of Europe. The Triple Entente, consisting of France, Russia, and Great Britain, was formed in 1907 in response to the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The alliances created a complex web of relationships between the European powers, with each country pledging to defend its allies in the event of a conflict. The rise of nationalism was another long-term cause of the First World War. Nationalism was a powerful force in Europe at the time, with many countries seeking to assert their dominance and protect their interests. Nationalistic sentiments contributed to the arms race and the formation of alliances, and they also led to tensions between different ethnic and cultural groups within the same country. The immediate cause of the First World War was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. On June 28, 1914, the Archduke was assassinated by a member of a Serbian nationalist group. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination and issued a series of ultimatums. When Serbia refused to comply with the ultimatums, Austria-Hungary declared war, and the conflict quickly spread across Europe. Effects of the First World War The effects of the First World War were far-reaching and significant. The war had a profound impact on the political, social, and economic landscape of Europe and the world. One of the most significant effects of the First World War was the collapse of the European empires. The war marked the end of the Austro-Hungarian, German, and Ottoman empires, and it contributed to the decline of the British and French empires. The collapse of these empires led to the creation of new nations and the redrawing of borders, which had long-lasting effects on the political and social landscape of Europe and the world. The war also had a significant impact on the global economy.