These mixed levels of Imperial success resulted in unequal territorial and financial gains, disrupting the balance of power and creating tension and uncertainty. Militarism pervaded these societies, as massive armies were needed to continue these conquests. Inevitably, a dangerous arms race developed, most notably between Germany and England, the latter feeling threatened by the presence of a naval fleet possibly rivaling the strength of its own. The consequences of these actions culminated in a series of alliances and treaties, partitioning the European powers into two groups: the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; and the Triple Entente of Great Britain, France and Russia. Moreover, each of these countries also maintained commitments to smaller, weaker neighbors throughout Europe. .
As previously noted, the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by a Serbian Nationalist was credited with technically starting World War I. Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia. When Serbia refused to comply with the effective termination of its independence, Austria declared war on Serbia. Russia, flushed with the spirit of pan-Slavism, declared war on Austria. Germany, honoring its pact with Austria, declared war on Russia and her ally, France. When Germany invaded Belgium in early August 1914, Great Britain honored her commitments to Belgium and France and declared war on Germany. The triviality of the preceding chain of events simply did not warrant the atrocious levels of carnage that would follow, although, none of the powers involved expected the war to last more than a few months, each expecting an easy victory for their dominant cultures. This nave innocence would prove terribly miscalculating, as Europe - witnessed through an entire "lost- generation - would lose her innocence completely.
Remarque parallels this downward spiral within the actions and emotions of Paul Baumer, the novel's narrator and protagonist.
