Technology and WWI

We have discussed and watched a video on some of the technology that was introduced or used extensively for the first time during WWI.  What implication did that have on how war was fought & ultimately on the morale of the soldiers fighting that war?

Powder Keg of Europe

The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was seen as the trigger that put WWI into motion.  We have looked at four tensions that helped cause WWI: Nationalism, Alliance Systems, Arms Race & Economic Rivalry...  Give your opinion:  Do you believe WWI would have happened whether the assassination had happened or not?  Justify your response.