Question

Which of the following is true regarding the onset of WW1?

Pick one of the following and explain why
A. Governments and populations were unprepared for the wars length and extent
B. The military plans and strategies of the Great Powers were largely fulfilled
C. The declaration of war was greeted among the public with widespread opposition

D. A conference among the Great Powers nearly averted the conflict
E. Russia remained neutral pending the outcome of Austria's campaign against Serbia

Answer 1

Governments and populations were unprepared for the prolonged and extensive nature of World War 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is A. Governments and populations were unprepared for the war's length and extent. The onset of World War 1 caught many governments and populations off guard, as they were unprepared for the prolonged and extensive nature of the conflict.

At the time, there had been little experience of war on European soil for over 40 years, and the previous conflicts were relatively short and less bloody. This lack of recent experience and understanding of the changing nature of warfare contributed to the unpreparedness.

Furthermore, the expectation was that the war would be quick and decisive. Many people believed that the war would resolve nationalistic rivalries and be over by Christmas, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the start of the war and the high number of voluntary enlistments.