Writing Home from WWI

Dear Mother,

   I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, work at the hospital has been busier than ever and I can't even remember the last time I got a full five hours of sleep. I miss you and father and Anna so much and a day doesn't pass where I don't think of our family being together again. The troops here need me, though, and as much as I miss our little farm, I know that I have a job I need to fulfill by serving as a nurse in the army. I feel like for the first time, I'm truely doing something that benefits more than just a few people and I'm making a difference in the war by aiding the injured. Last week, a soldier was placed here with a bullet wound in his leg, had lost quite a bit of blood and had suffered from inhaling a tiny bit of poisonous gas. Many of the nurses believed he wouldn't make it, but he is healing well, and it's in instances like that one when I have hope in the war. The days can be long and tiring, but most nights I go to sleep proud of what I was able to accomplish that day. You would think that working in a place full of dying men would be very depressing and difficult to do everyday, but we're also saving lives as well, which is a light at the end of a tunnel. Whenever another man dies it can feel like the war will never end. I know, though, that when it does finally end, I'll be able to say that I served as a nurse in the war and I am proud.

   Enough about me, though. I want to hear about how you guys are doing. With so many jobs available, has Anna been able to find one yet? What about father? Is his job supporting the family? I hope you are still knitting as well- that was always one of your favorite hobbies, especially when you have a lot on your mind. I hope you are all healthy and doing well and that I will hear from you soon.

Much love-

Stephanie 

WWI Causes

1.
  a. Militarism- the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong     military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

Militarism in Europe led to rivalries and alliances caused by the arms and naval races. Many of the European countries knew war was coming, especially Germany, who believed the only way they could become a world power was through war. Militarism set the stage for what would explode into World War I.

  b. Alliances- a union or association formed for mutual benefit.

Alliances formed prior to WWI are a cause to the war because the alliances were making countries choose sides and dividing Europe in two. By the time war broke out between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, two other countries (Russia and Germany) were pulled in as well due to alliances. More alliances forced other countries to join as well later, turning it into a World War

  c. Imperialism- a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military

     force.

  d. Nationalism- patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    On June 28, 1914, the shot heard around the world, fired at Archduke Franz Ferdinand, marked the beginning of what would later become  known as the Great War. Visiting the capital of Bosnia, Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were shot dead by a Serbian member of a nationalist group dubbing the nickname the "Black Hand."Knowledge of Black Hand's motives had been apparent to Serbian officials and they had hoped the assassination would spark a war with Austria-Hungary, their hopes were achieved. 

    Franz Ferdinand was Archduke of Austria-Este and Prince of Hungary and Bohemia and was heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne before he was assassinated. He was a prominent figure in Austria-Hungary and when he was shot, the Austro-Hungarian government blamed Serbia and decided it was time to them bring down. They knew, however, that going to war with Serbia also meant going to war with their "big brother," Russia, so they asked their ally, Germany for support.

  Following Ferdinand's death, on July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and Russia immediately sent in troops to support their ally, some of which who were stationed on the German boarder. Germany declared war on Russia four days later, then also declared war on France, who was prepared to support Russia. In a matter of days Europe had exploded into World War I.

    Franz Ferdinand's death was the spark that erupted into the first World War, but tensions had been growing so tight in Europe due to all the competition, including the arms race and the naval race, that even if the fire hadn't been shot, Europe most likely still would have ended up going to war.