The Great War: 110 years since onset of the First World War, a reflection

By Faruk MUSTAFA

Abstract
From the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia, to the declaration of war of Germany to Russia, followed by declaration of war from Germany to France, and finally declaration of war from Britain to Germany, it passed no more than 11 days. 11 tense days before European powers rushed into the bloodiest conflict by far. Rightfully this was called the Great War. Started by deluded leaders, with vague goals for indefinite time. War that solved no problem and caused many new ones. Based on fear and misperception, leaders turned an improbable conflict into inevitable one. For the first time, almost the entire globe was on war which did not spare civilians. A war that marked ending of five Empires, shifting of political centre away from Europe, and birth of USA as next superpower.

Keywords: the Great War, First World War, Empires, secret diplomacy, Central Powers, Entente