What was the point of the First World War?

[ThomasRichard]

I get the Second World War: Hitler and Mussolini were brutal dictators and we didn’t want that over here. But the First World War? Wasn’t that just over who ruled what; the usual political crap where the outcome didn’t really matter because it would still be the same elite groups in power, just re-arranged a bit?

[lucydogz]

If you're interested surely it's easy enough to do your own research. How can a mn thread answer a question like that?

[ThomasRichard]

Because the usual sources just want to talk about Serbia and Allies vs Axis. I already know all that. Given the diversity of posters on Mumsnet, I was hoping someone would know what Britain actually stood to gain or lose beyond being mates with the right politicians and royals.

[MillytantForceit]

Formally it was because we had a Treaty from 1839 guaranteeing to come to the aid of Belgium.

Beyond that, the TV Drama "37 Days" covers it pretty well.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01pf7dx

It was a failure of diplomacy on many levels.

[tobee]

Depends if you mean what was the point of First World War for Britain or for all participants?

A lot of it was about protecting Britain's interests in the world. Germany, iirc, was also bound by the treaty to protect Belgium. But they chose to ignore it. They had other reasons for fighting.

There were various events that came together in a domino effect but with people choosing to react in certain ways to the events, which culminated in various countries declaring war on other countries. And not doing enough to stop it happening.

[tobee]

Btw I've recently started listening to the audiobook of The Pity of War by Neal Ferguson which might answer your questions. But different historians have different perspectives. I don't think there's one definite answer.

[tobee]

Sorry Niall Ferguson.

[BitOfFun]

Thanks for the tip, tobee