Concern for Germany's growing militarism, Kaiser Wilhelm II's obsession to match Britain's navy and the existence of the long established French and German war-plans only fueled the air of instability in Europe. It was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that ignited the global conflict.
The most catastrophic revolt of all occurred in the Russian Army where hundreds of thousands of soldiers deserted. Russia's Great war was essentially over. Germany moved many more troops to the Western Front and despite America's entry into the war, it would not be until 1918 when the full effect of their involvement would be appreciated.