History & Civics
Do you think the First World War could be avoided? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer
Yes, the First World War could have been avoided if the leaders of Russia and Germany would have shown some restraint. Franz Ferdinand was the strongest spokesman for peace in Austria-Hungary. He believed that a war with Russia would lead to the downfall of both empires. His assassination removed this brake on going to war. On the contrary, it became the immediate cause of the war. Had Russia not declared war on Austria-Hungary, then Germany would have not declared war on Russia and the First World War could have been avoided at that moment. If Russia had exercised greater diplomacy and Germany had not given unconditional support to Austria-Hungary, the war could have been prevented.
Related Questions
With reference to the First World War, answer the following questions:
(a) State any three consequences of the war.
(b) Mention three points under the Treaty of Versailles, which affected Germany.
(c) What were the objectives of the League of Nations? Name the organisation formed in October 1945 with objectives similar to those of the League of Nations.
Look at the newspaper clipping given on the next page and answer the questions that follow:
(a) What was the immediate impact of the incident mentioned in newspaper clipping? Who organised the assassination? What was the objectives behind the assassination?
(b) Besides the incident mentioned in the newspaper, state three other reasons that led to a turning point in the history of the world.
(c) Name the treaty that was designed to prevent Germany from going to war again. State any three clauses of this treaty.
Look at the newspaper excerpt given on the right and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Who summarily rejected British ultimatum? Why?
(b) Why did Great Britain declare war on Germany?
(c) What was the final outcome of the war that began after Great Britain declared war on Germany? How did it affect both the countries?
More than national pride, it was the greed to acquire colonies and thereby, more money and resources that led to the First World War. Explain.