Essay Question:

How did alliances contribute to the outbreak of the First and Second World Wars?

Introduction Thesis: Outline a clear thesis statement that explains the significance of alliances in escalating tensions leading to global conflict.

Point 1: Explain how alliances contributed to the outbreak of World War I, with evidence from historical sources.

Source:

'The complex network of alliances created a situation where a local conflict could quickly escalate into a full-scale war.' Provenance: Historian analysis, 2005.

Point 2: Analyse how alliances in the 1930s contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

Source:

'The formation of the Axis and Allied powers deepened divisions and made war more likely.' Provenance: Modern historian review, 2010.

Counter-argument: Explain that alliances alone did not cause the wars and consider other factors involved.

Source:

'Economic instability and nationalism also played crucial roles in causing the conflicts.' Provenance: Academic journal, 2012.

Conclusion: Summarize the importance of alliances in causing the World Wars, and state whether they were the most significant factor.

Question:

To what extent were alliances the main cause of the World Wars? (6 marks)