The First World War - Essay Example

The First World War Name Subject Professor Date The First World War Introduction The First World War was an international war that originated in Europe and spread to different parts of the world. It started in 1914 and ended in 1918. Despite the fact that the event is long gone, its effects are still felt and talked about today. In 2014, the First World War centenary was held in memory of the war’s outbreak and its consequences. This event is deemed essential since the war affected almost all people who lived in the nations that participated in the war. The anniversary of the outbreak of the way brought about various aspects that concern the war. More so, it incited different parties to explore the lessons that the First World War offered especially with regard to the comprehension of the existing security and political challenges in Europe and Asia. In addition, the war could be a good focal point in predicting the likelihood of another global conflict (Falls, 2014, p. 112). This piece of work will give a critical discussion of the First World War and various aspects linked with it. However, much emphasis will be given to the lessons learnt and how they help in the understanding of contemporary challenges and threats as well as the parallels between current international relations and those of 1913/14. WWI and lessons for understanding contemporary challenges and threats To understand today, it is essential to have knowledge of what happened in the past. Various events leave lessons to be learnt and effective ways to act in case of a repeat. The WWI is one of the significant historical events whose lessons cannot be underemphasized. Some of the great lessons that can be learnt from the occurrence and consequences of the WWI, and which could be essential in understanding the present challenges and threats include the following. First, it is clear that it is quite difficult to predict the outcome once global warfare is launched. War in its self is also unpredictable. Leaders during those days believed that the First World War would only last for a short time. They could not predict that the war would last for four years and result to too much damage and deaths. Once war is started, it becomes so hard to predict the outcomes (Jones, 2013, p. 869). The fact that there are no laid-out means of predicting the outcomes of a war means that it is advisable to always avoid anything that could lead to war. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Mingst and Arreguín-Toft (2013, p. 56) argue that it is worth noting that international war brings about civil war. Civil war has far reaching consequences since it has no limits. It also brought the realization that the technology of warfare develops faster, an aspect that makes it difficult for the political leaders or other parties to control it. Easy access of people to democratic procedure is also quite frail. Another significant lesson from the WWI is that it is vital to remember history. Ahlstrom, Lamond and Ding (2009, p. 628) assert that since 1945, major world powers have not been involved in war. This is a positive observation. One of the reasons behind this could be the invention of nuclear weapons which translates to the fact that in the event of war breaking between major powers, the impact could be unlike any that has been witnessed before. However, this is not to say that it is not possible to have another war. When events such as WWI become distant as years pass by, the memories of the destruction may fade away and people get themselves in a similar situation. This is why studying history is important (Winter, 2006, p. 96). The 100th anniversary is also a good gesture since it reminded people of the unfolding of the war and not to forget that it can happen again. Leaders should always follow the lessons of history. Some of the consequences of the WWI are the death and injuries of millions of combatants and civilians as well as the destruction of empires and brutalization of societies. As a result of the fatalities and other negative consequences linked with the First World War, it is evident that it is prudent to make use of diplomacy to the maximum and only use force as the last resort (Vance, 2011, p 12). According to Margaret (2013), the assassination of the Archduke was one of the major reasons that led to the First World War and maybe avoiding the war was difficult bearing in mind the tensions that prevailed in Europe over time. However, there should always be an alternative to prevent the worse from happening. Although war cannot always be avoided, an effort should always be made. For instance, if Franz’s driver used the right route, maybe the assassination could have been avoided that day. There is need to always maintain open and effective communication channels. International institutions such as the United Nations and European Union help in this sector and if they were present in 1914, things would not have gone to that extent (Mycock, 2014, p.157). Force should never be applied when diplomacy is not exhausted. Parallels between current international relations and those of 1913/14 Based on the current global order, some think that there is a high likelihood of another war. This could be provoked by conditions that are similar to those that preceded the First World War. History is one aspect that has been known to offer valuable warning, which when acted upon would help avoid a repeat. It is therefore essential to look at the current situations against those that prevailed then, and come up with an informed conclusion of what is more likely to happen (Nelson, 2015, p. 60). The 100th anniversary helped in reflecting afresh of the vulnerabilities of nations to aspects such as human error, sheer accidents and sudden calamities among others. Some of the parallels that can be drawn between current global relations and those of 1913/14 include the following. A focus in Europe on the rising power of German and that of Asia on China’s growing power. There is also buoyancy that the global economy is quite intricate and interconnected such that it cannot be affected by military conflict. Fascination with the historical precedent of the decline of empires is also a parallel that is worth noting. The current US-China rivalry can be likened to the UK-Germany rivalry that existed before the 1914 period (Ranchman, 2016). There is also the aspect of sheer complacency and the thought that large-scale war is impossible and yet a calamity can happen any time. Rapid globalization is a process that was experienced back then and now. Just like now, the period before 1914 was characterized by dramatic upheavals and shifts. Processes such as using electricity to light homes and streets were rising. The era was also characterized by globalization aspects such as international investment and business, prevalent migration and the internet. Enhanced transport and communication systems linked even the remote places as it is today. Expansion of international trade and investment, as it is today was enhanced. Immigrants could easily find their way to foreign lands as it is the case today. All these seem to be positive progress and were taken to mean that the people were becoming civilized and were not likely to resort to war as a way of resolving disputes (Ranchman, 2016). This is what is being experienced currently. Globalization is also capable of breeding extreme localism whereby people tend to take refuge in some small groups that could in turn get involved in planning evil. Globalization could also enhance extensive transmission of radical ideologies. In short, globalization has lulled people into a false sense of security, which could hinder efforts of preparedness (Bordo and Murshid, 2006, p. 658). Another parallel is the existence of radical movements that in one way or act as outlets of people’s fears and frustrations (Martin, 2015, p. 241). For instance some immigrants become enemies to communities. Despite there being some similarities in the international relations then and now, there are also some differences. For instance, there is a bigger gap in power between China and the US compared to that which existed between Britain and Germany back then. Although the parallels may not necessarily dictate that there is a likelihood of a war outbreak, there is need for all nations to be always vigilant. Conclusion In summary, it is apparent that the First World War had dire consequences and its impact is felt even today. The 100th anniversary held in 2014 shed a lot of light especially when it comes to lessons that can be learnt from the WWI, some of which could be put into practice to avoid future occurrence of the same. Some of the lessons are that it is vital to remember history, war is unpredictable and it is not right to use force before exhausting diplomacy. Despite the fact that the past may not offer a clear plan on how to act, it provides lessons that guide ideological and political inclinations. History such as the unfolding of the First World War could be used to predict the future. Some of the parallels between then and now include the aspect of globalization and various aspects associated with it. References Ahlstrom, D., Lamond, D. and Ding, Z., 2009. “Re-examining some management lessons from military history.” Asia Pacific Journal of Management, vol. 26 no. 4, pp.617-642. Bordo, M.D. and Murshid, A.P., 2006. “Globalization and changing patterns in the international transmission of shocks in financial markets.” Journal of International Money and Finance, vol. 25, no. 4, pp.655-674. Falls, C. 2014. The First World War. Sydney: Pen and Sword. Jones, H., 2013. “As the centenary approaches: the regeneration of First World War historiography.” The Historical Journal, vol.56 no. 03, pp.857-878. Margaret, M. 2013. The Rhyme of History: Lessons of the Great War. Available [online] from aa61a0da3a709a1480b1-9c0895f07c3474f6636f95b6bf3db172.r70.cf1.rackcdn.com/content/research/essays/2013/rhyme-of-history.html [accessed 6 October 2016] Martin, G., 2015. Understanding terrorism: Challenges, perspectives, and issues. London: Sage Publications. Mingst, K.A. and Arreguín-Toft, I.M., 2013. Essentials of International Relations: Sixth International Student Edition. New York: WW Norton & Company. Mycock, A., 2014. “The First World War Centenary in the UK:‘A Truly National Commemoration’?”. The Round Table, vol. 103, no. 2, pp.153-163. Nelson, S., 2015. “Anzac lessons: Teaching World War I in the digital age.” Screen Education, no.78, p.60. Ranchman, G, 2016. Does the 1914 parallel make sense? The financial Times LTD. Available [online] from http://blogs.ft.com/the-world/2014/01/does-the-1914-parallel-make-sense/ [accessed 6 October 2016] Vance, J. F. 2011. Death so noble: memory, meaning, and the First World War. British Columbia: UBC Press. Winter, J.M., 2006. Remembering war: The Great War between memory and history in the twentieth century. London: Yale University Press. Read More