Historian A: Margaret MacMillan – Political and Diplomatic Perspective

"Margaret MacMillan argues that alliances were a crucial factor in escalating tensions before WWI. She emphasizes that the complex system of alliances created a web of obligations that made countries more likely to go to war once conflict started. Her view suggests that alliances were less about inherent hostility and more about diplomatic miscalculations and the desire for security, which ultimately contributed to the rapid outbreak of war. She highlights diplomatic failures and misjudgments by leaders as key reasons these alliances led to war."

Historian B: John H. Morrow Jr. – Military and Strategic Perspective

"John H. Morrow Jr. contends that alliances were primarily a strategic response to military threats. He argues that countries formed alliances to balance power and deter aggression, not necessarily to cause war. Morrow emphasizes that the military implications of alliances, such as mobilization plans and mutual defense commitments, made conflict more likely once a crisis arose. His view suggests alliances created a situation where a local conflict could quickly escalate into a larger war due to military commitments and plans."