The Spark Will Ignite the Flame. The Countries of Europe Towards the First World War (Dedicated to the 105th Anniversary of the First World War)

Abstract

The First World War has become almost inevitable as a result of the intertwining of different interests of the great powers in the Balkans. The explosive situation gradually escalated and eventually led to irreversible consequences. War became inevitable, as in Europe, on the one hand, some forces prepared and craved war. On the other hand, there were no forces capable of containing the war. Russia could not take over the peacekeeping mission as it caused distrust of both the Triple Alliance and the Entente. She also pursued its interests. Frequent diplomatic and military-political crises on the eve of the war left their stamp on the socio-psychological atmosphere in Europe. During the July 1914 crisis, it became clear that due to the mistake of England, which did not declare its solidarity with France and Russia, who did not want bloodshed, a great war could begin. Russia was already pursuing a policy of concessions to the aggressor, which only aggravated the situation. It ultimately led to a pan-European war.