Final Paper

The second half of the 19th century may be characterized as battle for machines, motherland, and markets. The First World War was a result of a perfect storm composed of an increase in military efficiency, determination of countries driven by nationalism and their allies. With all pieces in place, the consequences of a single event were magnified into what would then be called The Great War. Major 19th Century inventions, from steam ships to the railroad system, played a role in the magnitude of World War I. The Bessemer converter (1855) made it easier to turn brittle and easily rusting iron into flexible, rust-resistant steel. Steel was used to build railroads, bridges, weapons, ships and skyscrapers. Railroads and steam ships allowed large armies to have faster transport of their supplies, such as food, weapons, ammunition, alcohol and medicine. During the second part of the industrial revolution, steel and chemical industries used new technology that improved productions. The industries made possible for the market to span and buy out the smaller businesses to use for their benefit. The creation of steel helped shaped the First World War by making it easier, cheaper and faster to build weapons, strengthen business that funded the military and provide transportation for supplies. Nationalism is pride on one’s nation or state. Under Otto Von Bismarck military leadership, Germany became unified after winning three separate wars: The Prusso-Danish war (1864), Austro-Prussian war (1866) and Franco-Prussian war (1870-1871). After winning the Franco- Prussian war, Germany became proud of the military, weapons and power they possessed. Part of the pride in nationalistic feelings from the German people stemmed from the increase armament and fleet of battleship called Dreadnought. During this time of increase national pride, two alliances were formed: The Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. The Triple Alliance was composed of Germany, Austria-Hungry and Italy (1879). The Triple Entente (1894) was made up of Russia, France and Great Britain (who joined on 1907). Serbia an emerging nation with increasing nationalistic pride assassinated the king (Archduke Franz Ferdinand) and queen of Austria-Hungry. Austria-Hungry furious with the assignation of the king and queen attacked Serbia. After the attack on Serbia; Serbia under the protection of the Triple Entente, Russia declared war on Austria-Hungry. Germany defending Austria-Hungry under the agreement of the triple alliance declared war on Russia. Then France honoring their alliance declared war on Germany. These events were