War came to Europe not by accident, but by design, argues military historian Gary Sheffield. According to Sheffield, the First World War began for two fundamental reasons: "First, decision-makers in Berlin and Vienna chose to pursue a course that they hoped would bring about significant political advantages even if it brought about general war. read more
The causes of World War I remain controversial and debated questions. World War I began in the Balkans in late July 1914 and ended in November 1918, leaving 17 million dead and 20 million wounded. Scholars looking at the long-term seek to explain why two rival sets of powers – Germany and Austria-Hungary on the one hand, and Russia, France, and Great Britain on the other – had come into conflict by 1914. read more
If you are new to the First World War - or are rusty after many years since history class - the reasons for the so-called 'Great War' can be shrouded in confusion. Sponsored Links The Second World War was rather more straightforward: no questions there who did what and who was at fault. read more