A Comparison of the Events Leading Up to World War One And the Rising Tensions in North
Korea
OBEN
Outline
I. Introduction
II. Description of Events
A. Description of Events
B. Results of Global Conflicts
III. Conclusion
2
OBEN
Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................4
Description of Events ...........................................................................................................4
The World Today .................................................................................................................5
Competition as a Source for Conflict .................................................................................7
Role of Nationalism in Global Conflicts.............................................................................7
Results of Respective Conflicts ...........................................................................................8
Is This Conflict Real? How Should We React to It?.........................................................9
Small Events, Drastic Consequences ..................................................................................10
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................11
References .............................................................................................................................12
3
OBEN
4
Keith Oben
Mr. Heil
Computer Applications: Video
22 Aug 2013
Introduction:
War is a section of everyone’s life weather openly or parenthetically. Mankind has seen
this theory come true on many occasions throughout history. World War One was no exception.
The product of nationalism, militarism, and imperialism, World War One was a global conflict
that divided both nations and continents. History has educated us that such suffering and pain
should be avoided at all costs. But now a new threat is looming. Conflicts between North Korea
and other nations are reaching a boiling point. It could only be a matter of time before a flame is
struck that sends the whole world into an inferno of conflict. But are these two conflicts really all
that similar? The following paper will analyze and investigate these events; to decide whether or
not the factors that lead up to World War One are similar to today’s Korean Conflict.
Description of Events:
Just like the conflict in Korea, World War One was no accident. National tensions rose
due to the rise of Nationalism in Europe, militarism, fear, and imperialism. These factors all lead
up to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, and the start of World War
One. These conflicts had been brewing for decades. During the late 1800s, most world powers
were centered in Europe. Germany, France, Britain, Russia, and Austria-Hungary were rivals
when it came to power. In order to make themselves and their allies more powerful, many
nations decided to forge alliances with other nations who shared similar governments, culture,
language, or other national similarities. This was a double edged sword. Those with the alliances
OBEN
5
grew more powerful and felt more secure, but smaller countries became afraid of growing power,
and scrambled to make friends and form alliances. One of the key players in the alliances was
Chancellor Bismarck of Germany. Bismarck decided that he wanted to see Germany as a world
power, and his ambition and foresight caused him to form the three emperor’s league: a treaty
between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. This treaty changed however when Russia and
Austria-Hungary began to develop conflicts with each other over the sovereignty of the Balkans.
This caused Russia to Leave the Three Emperors League. Russia was replaced by Italy however,
and the three emperor’s league remained strong.
The World Today
Today’s Korean situation sounds quite similar! Along with North Korea rapidly
attempting to develop Nuclear weapons, alliances are being formed. China has decided rather
hesitantly to back North Korea; however they are clear that they do not want to see any conflict.
This alliance with China is actually quite historical. China entered the Korean War supporting
North Korea. This was because they had similar government and policy - they were both
communist states. North Korea and China recognized each other as united through government,
and culture. This allowed them to form an even bigger nation in order to fight against the “evil of
democracy”. The United States of America (North Korea’s mortal enemy) also has treaties and
alliances with nations such as France, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This is
much the same as the Three Emperor’s League and the Triple Entente (alliance between Russia,
Britain, and France in WWI), because governments with similar policies are taking the same
sides. North Korea and China may have chosen to be allies in a similar fashion that AustriaHungary and Germany did. The modern Countries of North Korea and China are or have some
communist principles of government, where Austria-Hungary and Germany were ruled by
OBEN
6
emperors. All four of these countries both have close locations to their respective allies, which
provide great tactical advantages. Their cultures are similar also, with religions, customs, and
traditions being similar if not the same. Historical hatreds and dislikes are common ground as
well. Korea has a history of warfare and conflict. The Korean peninsula has been invaded by the
Mongolians, Chinese, and Japanese. This has caused Koreans to be somewhat fearful when
dealing with foreigners. The Japanese occupation was especially brutal. Forced prostitution,
rape, murder, and loss of culture, and their Korean language happened as well as sheer
discrimination. After the liberation of Korea during World War Two, both Koreas sided with
their liberators, the south with the USA, and the North with the Soviet Union. This is where the
two Korea’s get their respective systems of government, and is the source of the alliances we still
see today. During the Korean War, the communist North wanted to take over the South and
spread their government system. The United States backed the democratic South Korea. During
the Korean War, there were many casualties on both sides. Since there was no real victor, the
nations decided to sign an armistice or cease fire that would prevent further conflict from
breaking out. This armistice has since been ripped up, showing North Korea’s intent to resume
the decades-old conflict. This is similar to treaties being ripped up in World War One with
Russia leaving the Three Emperor’s League. The history of the Korean is similar to the history
of Europe. Korea has been at war almost non-stop, since it was first established as a country.
This makes for a hardened, and closed off society. The above picture shows the lack of
technology, and isolation of North Korea. While surrounding countries including South Korea
and Japan have a highly technical, and advanced societies, most of North Korea does without
power or new technology. What they have, they make for themselves, and even this limited
production is strictly controlled by the government. Many in North Korea are also starving.
OBEN
7
Often, a solid position in the military can be the only way to ensure that you will have something
to eat.
Competition as a Source for Conflict
World War One was also the product of an arms race and competition. Britain and
Germany both wanted their nations to have the most advanced and strongest navy in the world,
giving them power over trade and naval combat. Most nations’ militaries were being bolstered
with recruits and soldiers due to government support and funding. The size, complexity, and
technology of military forces were changing. Modern weapons are not quite the same as World
War One’s battleship and tanks. Today’s nuclear weapons can destroy entire cities. In order to be
able to compete militarily with the rest of the world, North Korea has decided that it should put
more funding and research into the development of nuclear weapons that can be fitted onto long
range missiles, in the hope of attacking or at least threatening the USA. North Korea has said that
they have the means to attack Seoul and Washington DC; however this information may be
nothing but a threat. In World War One, it was ships and planes that were being tested and
designed. Now, bombs of epic proportions are being tested and developed in case there is a
global nuclear conflict.
Role of Nationalism in Global Conflicts
There are many nationalistic ideas in North Korea that are similar to the ideas of
countries before and during World War One. When speaking of a nation, we often forget that
nations are not completely united in their views or ideas. For example, some people in Serbia
were not opposed to Archduke Ferdinand and his policies, but there were those who did seek to
do him harm. When Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian nationalists, the world plummeted
into chaos and fear. The results of this one nationalist’s actions had consequences for the whole
OBEN
8
world. Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination caused Austria-Hungary to submit a list of
ultimatums and requests in order to force Serbia to go to war with them. Austria-Hungary wanted
to gain further control of Serbian resources, as well as secure more power and influence for its
self. It was the Serbian refusal of the Austria-Hungarian ultimatum that paved the path for World
War One. This is a similar situation to what is happening in North Korea. Tensions are
constantly rising, and if one nation decides to attack the other, global war could ensue. Nations
would be undvidedly at war, and the views of the individual would lose their merit and
importance much like they did in World War One. For example, in World War One, towards the
end of the war, there was a need for more soldiers on the battlefield. This resulted in mandatory
conscription for some Canadian men, regardless of their personal views. Today, North Korea has
a large-scale policy of mandatory conscription, but the North Korean people seem to have little
issue with it, as that is the way their world has been since before they were born. It is also a good
way to ensure that they will have something to eat. This is an example of indoctrination, where
the government changes education or the media to change the way people think or perceive
outside cultures, races, systems, etc.
Results of Respective Conflicts
Millions of people died as a result of the conflict during World War One. There were
those who died of disease, as well as those who suffered their demises at the ends of rifles, tanks,
gas, and execution. That being said, those are few casualties when you consider the destructive
power and potential of nuclear weapons. Millions could be killed in a single blast, and if global
war ever did ensue, there are many countries that have nuclear weapons in their possession.
Countries such as the United States, and Russia, have advanced weapons programs, and they
might not hesitate to use these weapons if war did break out. These weapons would be used
OBEN
9
tactically, with hard points, or garrisons being targeted, but as with any weapon, there can always
be collateral damage. Civilians could be injured or killed in the blasts, and though they may be
“enemies” we cannot deny that they are people too, and that their lives matter. We also must be
aware that these weapons of mass destruction can be used against us. Enemies can directly attack
us with nuclear arms, or, like the gasses used in World War One, they can blow back on us.
Nuclear fallout would be a very real possibility if a nuclear war were to break out. This would
prevent plants and animals from developing normally, cause mutations and cancers, and reduce
agricultural productivity. The gasses of World War One did this too, but on a much smaller
scale. Nuclear fallout would be global.
Is This Conflict Real? How Should We React to It?
At the moment, all of these factors are “what ifs”, but we cannot deny the fact that global
war has happened in the past, and may happen again in the future, whether it is with North
Korea, or some other enemy that the Western world encounters. At the moment, the most we can
do is attempt to appease North Korea, unless world leaders decide that violence is a better
solution. Many of us are also wondering “how can we defuse the tensions in Korea” and “what is
the best way for the Western world to deal with Korea”? Though these are difficult questions,
there are some answers that may work. At the moment, it is in the national interests of the United
States of America to take out Kim Jong-Un or remove him from power. This is because Kim
Jong-Un is showing that he can be reckless, and he may not have the traits and skills necessary to
lead North Korea. It seems that he is trying to get noticed, and assert his power. If we as North
Americans continue to ignore him, one of two things will happen. Kim Jong-Un will either stop
his threats, or give up trying to be powerful, or he will find a way to assert his power. If Kim
Jong-Un creates an armed conflict somewhere, it could cause disastrous results. Kim Jong-Un is
OBEN
10
the source of the newly rekindled conflicts and tensions, and he must be removed. Without a
leader, North Korea would fall into the hands of the military generals who would then decide the
next course of action. Being older and wiser than Kim Jong-Un, they may see that their threats
are nothing but fear mongering, and that no good will come out of them for either side. They
may decide to sign a new armistice that will hopefully last for many years. UN troops should be
sent in as peacekeepers after the removal of Kim Jong-Un just to be sure that leaders are chosen
by the people and not the military. North Korea should then have sanctions placed upon them for
nuclear and military development. Little by little, and with the UN’s guidance, democracy should
be brought to North Korea, and a new age of peace and prosperity should be ushered in for all. In
order to avoid conflict that is akin to World War One or worse, we must stop these idle threats,
and either negotiate or act. This is the same thing that happened with conflict in World War One.
National leaders decided on a course of action, and, for better or worse, acted on it. None can
argue that this act did not cause casualties, but individuals and nations still debate and discuss
what would have happened if action had not been taken. It is all a matter of perspective on
whether it was right or wrong.
Small Events; Drastic Consequences
The most interesting and scary thing about these two events is the relatively tiny event
that happened, or could happen to set off the chain of events that lead to catastrophe. In World
War One, it was Archduke Ferdinand’s murder that plunged the world into war. If this
assassination had taken place at another time when Austria-Hungarian relations hadn’t been as
tense with Serbia, the ultimatum may never have been delivered, and by extension, the war
would not have had that spark of ignition. The assassin would have been found and prosecuted,
compensations would have been paid, and people would have mourned. Instead, the world
OBEN
11
dissolved into conflict and chaos. If there is an issue on the Korean Peninsula, it will most likely
start the same way. Someone will make a call, and shoot a diplomat or politician, or a skirmish
could take place. This could have disastrous consequences. When such tension is present in a
society or group, people can snap at the slightest provocation. In this case however “snapping”
could potentially destroy nations, much the same as it did in World War One. Our national
leaders need to work together to figure out where conflicts start, and solve them before they
escalate into war.
Conclusion:
Korea and Europe share very similar histories. Alliances are formed and broken in the
same way, nationalism shapes the countries, and war always seems to be an end result. Korea
seems to be going down the exact same path that Europe did when World War One began. We
must not let another seemingly small event like Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination plunge us
into war. Even now, new threats loom with the detaining of an American nationalist in North
Korea. Though this could end in the murder of another nationalist, we must think back to what
history has taught us, and not forget the consequences of our actions.
OBEN
References:
Metcalf, A. (n.d.). Eyewitness world war I. Adams, S. (2004). Eyewitness World War I. New
York, NY New York, NY Retrieved from. New York, NY.
12
OBEN
o
13
Create an unofficial title page with the title centered vertically and horizontally
o
Create a table of contents with two or three headers. The table of contents should show
the heading page numbers using left tabs. Use the following settings on the right for your
tab. After you click "set" for your tab, don't forget you need to actually press the tab key
on the keyboard after your heading to make the .....
If you do not have subject headings in your essay, add a few.
o
Insert bookmarks and hyperlinks to the table of contents headers.
Make sure the name that you give to your bookmark when you "insert bookmark" is only one
word.
o
Create a very short outline using proper MLA format. Use at least I, II, and II and at least one set
of A, B, and C in one of the roman numerals.
o
Type your paper info (name, teacher, class, date) using the proper MLA format on the first page
when your essay content begins.
o
Insert your last name and page number in the top right header of the page using MLA (don't
follow the video directions on this part)
o
Center the title of your essay
o
Double space the entire word document (command + a, then command + 2)
o
Use the thesaurus to change two words in your first complete sentence of your essay.
o
Apply hanging indents to your references; if you don't have any, just add one and make sure to
use the MLA format and MLA citation tool in the tab of the toolbox
o
Read over your paper and make two comments on the first few paragraphs of your essay and
apply track changes while correcting at least three grammar or spelling errors/improvements
o
Take a screenshot of your readability statistics
When you are finished, save it as a Word doc and a PDF copy and send these with a readability statistics
screenshot, and any other screenshots you had to take, as an email to your Wordpress using your CA
class email account.
Remember in the email to write the cateogry in the format: [category: tutWord] on the first line.
Reminder: You must email this and all future assignments to your wordpress to officially turn it in to get a
grade. In the submit directions if it ever says submit or email to Posterous then that just means email to
Wordpress.
Optional Resources