Causes of WWI in Europe

1870-1914 (includes long term). Only top 2 best examples.

Realpolitik

Ideological: Imperialism

‘German foreign policy owed its restless dynamic to the… moral neutrality of Realpolitik....’ - Gordon Martel

1871-1890

• Flexible, diplomatic and pragmatic foreign policy.

• Undermined collective security through a web of short-term alliances based on national self-interest.

Weltpolitik (“World Politics”)

Ideological: Militarism & Imperialism

‘Enormously energetic and ambitious’ - Isabel V. Hull

1890-1914

Aggressive and imperialist foreign policy under Kaiser Wilhelm II after Bismarck’s resignation.

• Encouraged global competition and national prestige, destabilising European diplomacy.

Pan-Slavism & Pan-Germanism

Ideological: Nationalism

Ideologies demanding the unification of all-ethnic kin under a single expansive state.

• Russian-backed Pan-Slavism.

• German Pan-Germanism.

• Destabilised the balance of power in Europe, especially in multi-ethnic empires (Austria-Hungary & the Ottoman Empire).

Triple Alliance & Triple Entente

Political

1882 (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy)

1907 (Britain, France, Russia)

• Bound rival European powers to mutual defence obligations.

Treaty of Berlin

Political

1878

Following the Eastern Crisis (1875-78), which was a series of Balkan uprisings against the Ottoman Empire leading to European intervention, the Berlin Congress was held (1878).

• Was a meeting between Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, France and Britain.

• Resulted in the Treaty of Berlin.

• Reduced Russian influence in Balkans, distancing Russia from Germany, increasing tensions in the lead up to WWII.

Moroccan Crises

Economic

1st: 1905-1906

• Kaiser Wilhelm II visited Tangier, challenging French influence in Morocco (lost).

• Worsened pre-WWII tensions and Germany was embarrassed.

• Schlieffen Plan created (1905) = preparing for war.

2nd: 1911

• Germany sent a gunboat to Agadir over French Morocco occupation.

• Britain intervened = Franco-German Accord (1912).

• Germany embarrassed again further polarised.

Scramble for Africa

Economic

1880-1914

Rapid colonisation of Africa by European imperial powers.

• Intensified European rivalries.

  • E.g. Fashoda Incident (1898): diplomatic standoff between Britain and France over control of the Upper Nile, nearly triggering a major war.

Bosnian Crisis

Territorial

1908

Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia that sparked European tensions.

• Locked Austria-Hungary and Serbia into a fatal rivalry.

• Solidified alliance blocs, pushing Russia, France and Britain closer together over their shared threat of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Balkan Wars

Territorial

1st: 1912

• Balkan League (Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia) attacked and defeated the Ottoman Empire.

2nd: 1913

• Bulgaria attacked former allies in the Balkan League (wanting more territory), but was defeated.

• Serbia’s territory increased immensely (threatens Austria-Hungary as they could spread nationalist ideas).

• Volatile anti-Austrian environment caused the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (direct trigger).