The coming of war, 1911–1917 common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing the Balkan Wars

  Students often confuse the causes and outcomes of the First and Second Balkan Wars.

  Fix itClearly differentiate the motivations and results of each war, noting how they relate to the broader context of European tensions.

• Confusing the sequence of events

  Students often mix up the order of the July Crisis events.

  Fix itEnsure to outline the timeline clearly, starting with the assassination, followed by the ultimatum, and then the mobilizations.

• Confusing the Schlieffen Plan with other military strategies

  Students often confuse the Schlieffen Plan with other military strategies like the Plan 17 of France.

  Fix itFocus on the specific objectives and execution of the Schlieffen Plan, particularly its reliance on rapid movement through Belgium.

• Confusing the causes of World War I with World War II

  Students often mix up the events and causes leading to World War I with those of World War II.

  Fix itFocus on the specific events and treaties relevant to World War I, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the alliances formed in the early 20th century.