How far did the assassination cause the First World War?

In this lesson, we will learn about the different alliance systems which existed in Europe prior to 1914 and how they made a major war in Europe more likely.

In this lesson, we will learn about the different military plans which European nations had for war, and how Germany's plans in particular accelerated events leading to the outbreak of war.

In this lesson, we will learn about the origins of the German Nation State, its culture and leader in 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II. This will help us to understand why Germany was more likely to act as an aggressor in the event of a European conflict.

In this lesson, we will learn about the background to the First World War, for example what smaller conflicts and rivalries between European nations had set them against one and other.

In this lesson, we will learn about the role played by growing nationalism and militarism in increasing the likelihood of a conflict in Europe.

In this lesson, we will review the different causes of the First World War and come to a judgement as to their relative importance.