Greed
The rulers of European nations -- especially Russia and Germany -- demonstrate greed in their desire to occupy additional nations other than their own. Discovering that brute force can bully people into surrender, they apply pressure to their neighboring countries to join them in the war. Kaiser Wilhelm, specifically, demonstrates greed in his desire for the British throne. He ignores the needs of his people for fear of offending Britain and ruining his chances at gaining the throne. Similarly, Russian authorities become so consumed with their own internal discord, that they allow their citizens to slowly drift into extreme poverty. The situation breeds a sharp class distinction as well as as a lot of desperate citizens.
Revolution
Gavrilo Princip, frustrated by the dire situation of Serbian citizens, decides to fight back in his own way. He rebels against the status quo, just hoping to attract the attention of powerful leaders. On June 28, 1914 he assassinates the Austria-Hungarian heir, intentionally inciting military action between western European countries. As if inevitable, Princip is the representative of an entire class of people who had slipped through the crack in Europe thanks to the irresponsibility and greed of their rulers. If Princip had done nothing, doubtless someone else would have come along to initiate revolutionary action.
Loss
The multitude of non-ranking soldiers are the primary victims of WWI. They lose their lives in sometimes futile battles. Most are fighting for their families or just for the money in order to survive, but the real price is life itself. Additionally, most private citizens in Europe are struggling to adapt to the many changes and sacrifices of war. They lose their safety, property, even their rights as citizens to conquering nations. As unrest grows, people become overwhelmed by the severity of the situation. Never before has such a great war occurred, which involves so many complex international relationships.
Defiance of Authority
Despite the severity of their situations as military leaders, commanders like Charles Lanrezac protect the men under their command. Lanrezac defies order in order to make a judgement call at Charleroi, resulting in the preservation of the majority of the French troops. His situation is not unique among military leaders in this war. With limited communication and rapidly changing threats, these men are almost forced to defy the authority of their high commands. The judgement calls of individuals end up determining the course of the war.
