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From Tension to Trenches: The Escalation of Conflict
The assassination of the Archduke in Sarajevo ignited a chain reaction of political conflicts and ultimatums among major powers, leading to a rapid escalation of tensions. As countries prepared their military forces, they perceived their actions as defensive maneuvers, believing initial conflicts could be resolved diplomatically. However, the failure of diplomacy transformed what began as skirmishes into a full-scale global war. The turning point occurred in the fall of 1914 when Germany attempted to execute a quick victory against France, reminiscent of previous conflicts. Contrary to German expectations, France mounted a stronger defense, resulting in entrenched battle lines and a stalemate characterized by extensive trench warfare. This shift demanded enormous resources and efforts, leading to a protracted and devastating conflict.