1. First World War: Causes
The First World War began in the Balkans in July 1914 and ended in November 1918; it involved more than 100 countries and resulted in 17 million dead and 20 million wounded. Historians have argued ever since 1918 over what caused this catastrophe; the pages below cover the long-term, short-term and immediate events that led the Great Powers of Europe, their empires and their allies into armed conflict.
For students studying this topic for Paper 3, more detail on the causes of the First World War can be found here: 13: Europe and the First World War
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