Causes of World War I — Advanced
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Lesson breakdown
Analyze how the alliance system you studied crystallized into two hostile blocs and why each power's strategic position made war seem rational.
Trace the chain of mobilization orders and diplomatic ultimatums that turned a regional crisis into continental war, identifying where de-escalation failed.
Distinguish between long-term systemic pressures (arms race, imperialism, alliances) and short-term triggers (assassination, ultimatums) to evaluate competing historical explanations.
Evaluate primary source evidence and scholarly arguments for whether WWI was structurally determined or the result of specific choices and miscalculations.