To what extent was the decline of the Ottoman Empire the most significant long-term cause of the First World War?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the decline of the Ottoman Empire was the most significant long-term cause of the First World War. Candidates may refer to the decline of the Ottoman Empire as a major reason for geopolitical expansion on the part of all, or nearly all, the major powers. Some may argue that the importance of the “Eastern Question” and the rivalry between Russia and Austria-Hungary that developed as a consequence of the decline of Ottoman power was a major cause of the war. These tensions were also fuelled by key political and economic interests in the region. Some candidates may mention that the political vacuum that the Ottoman Empire left, after the loss of Balkan territories in the Balkan Wars, had an emboldening effect on Slavic nationalism which contributed to the outbreak of war. Some may argue that Austria–Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 angered the Russian Empire and increased tensions between the two major alliances. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, German imperialism and expansionism, or the general atmosphere of militarism linked to the arms race, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the decline of the Ottoman Empire was the most significant long-term cause of the First World War. This was a popular question and was often answered with great success. There were some excellent answers which were able to discuss how Ottoman decline caused the war as well as the importance of other factors, for example, alliance systems, German foreign policy or nationalism.