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Who bore responsibility for the start of World War I? Who bore responsibility for the start of World War I?
Both Austria-Hungary and Germany are responsible Both Austria-Hungary and Germany are responsible
Germany alone is responsible Germany alone is responsible
The Black Hand Serbian Society and the Bosnians are responsible The Black Hand Serbian Society and the Bosnians are responsible
Everyone shares responsibility Everyone shares responsibility
Austria-Hungary and Germany saw an opportunity to conquer and took it Austria-Hungary and Germany saw an opportunity to conquer and took it
Germany coerced their ally, Austria-Hungary, to begin conflict Germany coerced their ally, Austria-Hungary, to begin conflict
Germany was seen as a threat to peace in Europe Germany was seen as a threat to peace in Europe
Increased Serbian Nationalism led to the incitement of conflict Increased Serbian Nationalism led to the incitement of conflict
European expansionism led to the outbreak European expansionism led to the outbreak
Conflicts over alliances dragged all powers in, creating a global conflict Conflicts over alliances dragged all powers in, creating a global conflict
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Who bore responsibility for the start of World War I?
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The Black Hand Serbian Society and the Bosnians are responsible

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Increased Serbian Nationalism led to the incitement of conflict

As a region consistently occupied by outer forces, Serbian nationalism in the Balkans peaked in the days before World War 1, and the Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, which ultimately resulted in the spiraling conflict was World War 1.
Sir Richard J Evans
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The Argument

Serbian Nationalism directly led to the Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Bosnian Serb, Gavrilo Princip. Even preceding the actual assassination, Serbia had been seen as a rising threat to Austria. Austrian annexation of Bosnia and Serbia’s strong emergence following the Balkan Wars all resulted in creating a threat towards Austria-Hungary. Additionally, there was consistent rebellion by Serbs against Austria in an effort to bolster their own national identity, even further creating volatility.[1] The growth of nationalistic groups such as 'Unification or Death' ('Black Hand') etc. also led to further initiatives to separate from Austria.[2]

Counter arguments

Serbian nationalism is not responsible for World War 1. Austrian and German response to Serbian nationalism resulted in the conflict arising and sucking other world powers into the conflict due to allyships.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/how-the-world-went-to-war-in-1914
  2. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsee/2014/06/30/serbia-sarajevo-and-the-outbreak-of-the-first-world-war/
This page was last edited on Monday, 19 Oct 2020 at 21:33 UTC