Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
1. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand might have started The great War of 1914 but it was not inevitable or accidental, but began as a result of complex geopolitics and mutual hostility. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Chapter-1: Mastering Modern World History – Norman Lowe
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about geo-political reasons for the outbreak for the first world war.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the context of assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that started the great war of 1914.
Body:
First, write about the geo-political Tensions had been brewing throughout Europe—especially in the troubled Balkan region of southeast Europe, the alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire, Russia and other parties had existed for years, The political instability in the Balkans etc, Hyper nationalism leading to mutual distrust.
Next, mention other factors such as economic and military causes.
Conclusion:
Summarise as to how the assassination of Franz Ferdinand set off a rapidly escalating chain of events resulting in the war.
