Discussion Post: The First Total War
World War I is different from most other wars in that it was not a direct result of aggression by one entity towards another, notwithstanding the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian elements. Instead, it was the consequence of a number of forces amidst a disruption of the tenuous balance of power in Europe.
Select and address one of the following:
I. Option I: Identify two forces that lead to WWI. Examine how they contributed to the outbreak of war.
II. Option II: Select a major battle such as Verdun, Marne, Ypres, or the Somme and chronicle that battle. Add further details about the battles.
• What was the main strategy? What were they trying to accomplish?
• How did leaders influence and mobilize troops?
• What were the main consequences of the result?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.