Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define the Question: Briefly explain the concept of balance of power and its relevance to the First World War.
- Thesis Statement: State that while the war was influenced by the desire to maintain balance, other significant factors were also at play.
2. Arguments Supporting the Balance of Power Theory
A. Alliances as Strategic Tools
- Fact: The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) were formed to counterbalance opposing powers, aiming to maintain stability in Europe.
B. Germany’s Rising Power
- Fact: Germany’s naval expansion threatened British supremacy, leading to heightened tensions. This was perceived as a direct challenge to Britain’s global naval dominance.
C. Colonial Rivalries
- Fact: The Moroccan Crises (1905, 1911) illustrated the fierce competition between France and Germany over African colonies, straining European relations.
D. Austro-Hungarian and Russian Rivalry in the Balkans
- Fact: The Bosnian Crisis of 1908 saw Austria-Hungary annex Bosnia, angering Russia and Serbia, which destabilized the region.
E. France’s Desire for Revenge
- Fact: France sought alliances to counterbalance Germany’s power, motivated by the desire to reclaim territories lost in the Franco-Prussian War.
F. Preservation of Empires
- Fact: Britain entered the war to prevent Germany from dominating Europe, which posed a threat to British imperial interests.
3. Other Contributing Factors
A. Nationalism
- Fact: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist triggered the war, illustrating the role of nationalism.
B. Imperialism
- Fact: The Scramble for Africa intensified rivalries, as European powers competed for colonies.
C. Militarism
- Fact: The implementation of the Schlieffen Plan by Germany highlighted the influence of militarism on war strategies.
D. Economic Rivalries
- Fact: Germany’s industrial rise challenged Britain’s economic dominance, escalating tensions.
E. Failure of Diplomacy
- Fact: Secret treaties, such as the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1894, deepened mistrust and contributed to the outbreak of war.
4. Conclusion
- Summarize Key Points: Recap the main arguments regarding the balance of power and other contributing factors.
- Final Thoughts: Emphasize that the First World War was not solely about preserving balance but was a complex interplay of multiple factors that ultimately led to global conflict.
Model Answer
Introduction
The assertion that the First World War was fought primarily for the preservation of balance of power is partially correct, as it encompasses several interconnected factors, including alliances, nationalism, and imperialism.
Arguments Supporting the Balance of Power Theory
Other Contributing Factors
Conclusion
While the preservation of balance of power was a significant factor in the outbreak of the First World War, it was interwoven with nationalism, imperialism, and economic rivalries. The interplay of these elements, along with the failure of diplomacy and the rise of militarism, ultimately drove Europe into a devastating conflict that reshaped the global political landscape.