World War 1

[happy_face]

Who or How did World War 1 Start ?

[Octavius]

A full comprehensive guide to the build up can be researched here:

http://www.worldwar1.com/

here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwone/

and here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I

[jaggers]

Hehe I have my Hist GCSE coming up 2moro so this is good revision practice! It started because...

• There were lots of Triple Alliances which caused tensions between countries.
• 'Dreadnought' meant many countries were very well armed, and prepared for a fight.
• British/German rivalry: Germany was taking over Britain's prestige due to her growing empire and economy. Britain were jealous but also slightly wary.
• Russia needed popularity and a victory would definitely provide this.
• Domestic problems in Austria - lots of different nationalities, therefore conflict.
• Serbia was newly independent.

I hope this helps! It certainly did for me! Omg I sound like such a dropout! I honestly came on here for a quick break! If you want I'll email you my History GCSE results lol!

[Xollob]

One of my favourite bits from Blackadder is when Baldrick asks how the war started:

George: The war started because of the vile Hun and his villainous empire-building.

Edmund: George, the British Empire at present covers a quarter of the globe, while the German Empire consists of a small sausage factory in Tanganyika. I hardly think that we can be entirely absolved of blame on the imperialistic front.

George: Oh, no, sir, absolutely not. (aside, to Baldick) Mad as a bicycle!

Baldrick: I heard that it started when a bloke called Archie Duke shot an ostrich 'cause he was hungry.

Edmund: I think you mean it started when the Archduke of Austro-Hungary got shot.

Baldrick: Nah, there was definitely an ostrich involved, sir.

Edmund: Well, possibly. But the real reason for the whole thing was that it was too much effort *not* to have a war.

George: By God, this is interesting; I always loved
history -- The Battle of Hastings, Henry VIII and his six knives, all that.

Edmund: You see, Baldrick, in order to prevent war in Europe, two superblocs developed: us, the French and the Russians on one side, and the Germans and Austro-Hungary on the other. The idea was to have two
vast opposing armies, each acting as the other's deterrent. That way there could never be a war.

Baldrick: But this is a sort of a war, isn't it, sir?

Edmund: Yes, that's right. You see, there was a tiny flaw in the plan.

George: What was that, sir?

Edmund: It was b�ll�cks.

I'd make Blackadder Goes Forth required viewing for anyone studying WWI.

[tubeway]

I agree with xollob  -  the last episode has such a sad ending though - just shows how pointless war is.