ESSAY PUZZLE ACTIVITY 1

- For each of the following arguments select the evidence or historiography and the
corresponding analysis.

- Once you have completed the essay’s outline, write your own conclusion to the prompt.

PROMPT: Evaluate the importance of each of the following as causes of First World War: treaties,
economic factors, alliances.

I. Introduction
A. Thesis: Economic factors were the most important cause of World War I because
industrialization resulted in competitive economic tensions, and in turn spurred political tensions
between the European countries involved. Imperialist hostilities arose as industrialization
prompted an increased need for raw materials, and political tension ensued between countries
who sought after the same colonies. However, it could also be argued that treaties and alliances
were the principal cause of World War I as these factors forced multiple countries to become
involved, thus escalating a local conflict to a global war.

Argument I: Economic Factors - Industrialization

Assertion: Because the surge of industrialization (which boosted the economies of many
European countries) was not uniform throughout Europe, competition between powers increased;
investments in building bigger and stronger navies and armies prepared the countries involved for
mobilization. Therefore, industrialization in the years prior to the start of the war was a major
cause of World War I, as it instigated lasting tensions in Europe which made them eager to go to
war with one another.

Argument II: Economic Factors: Imperialism

Assertion: There was a common desire among European countries to expand their empires and
gain more raw materials from colonies around the world, in order to boost their respective
economies. The high demand of raw materials due to industrialization created competitive
tensions, rivalry, and mistrust between the countries involved in the war, which ultimately
instigated mobilization.

Counter-Argument: Treaties and Alliances

Assertion: Treaties and alliances were also important causes of World War I because they
guaranteed that a small conflict could easily escalate into a global war.

Conclusion
Argument I: Imperialism / Nationalism

Evidence / Historiography Analysis

Argument II: Militarism / Alliance System

Evidence / Historiography Analysis

Counter-Argument: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Evidence / Historiography Analysis