What Caused the First World War?

The First World War started because some big countries had a fight that grew bigger and bigger until everyone was involved.

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and one of them takes your favorite toy without asking. You get upset, and then your friend's best friend joins in the fight too. Soon, all the kids are fighting over toys, and it turns into a big mess.

That’s kind of what happened between countries like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, France, and England. A prince from one country was killed, that was like someone taking your toy. His country wanted revenge, so they started a fight. Other countries had promises to help each other out if something bad happened, it’s like having a team-up deal in the game.

Because of these deals and old grudges, more and more countries joined the fight, and that’s how the First World War began!

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A boy's assassination triggers a global war.
  2. Countries were like friends who kept getting into fights with their neighbors.
  3. Europe was on edge, and one event made it all explode.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity