- Short + long term, relative importance of causes - The Alliance system - Decline of the Ottoman empire - German foreign policy - Austria-Hungary, Russia and Balkan nationalism - The arms race and diplomatic crises - July Crisis of 1914
July Crisis 1914
The assassination on 28 June 1914 of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by a Bosnian Serb nationalist, in Sarajevo, was a critical trigger. This event caused shockwaves throughout Europe, particularly in Austria-Hungary.
Austro-Hungarian responding Ultimatum to Serbia included demands that infringed on Serbian sovereignty. Serbia's partial compliance was deemed insufficient, leading to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on 28 July 1914.
Mobilisation of Forces: The refusal of the ultimatum led to a rapid mobilisation of forces across Europe. Russia mobilised in support of Serbia, prompting German mobilisation and subsequent declarations of war.
Nationalism
Nationalist fervour, particularly in the Balkans, contributed to an atmosphere of competition and mistrust among European nations.
Ethnic groups sought self-determination and independence, challenging existing imperial and national boundaries.
Imperial Rivalries
The quest for colonial possessions created deep-seated rivalries among European powers, particularly between Britain and Germany, and France and Germany.
These rivalries extended beyond Europe, affecting global politics.
Economic competition
The rise of Germany as an industrial and economic power threatened established powers like Britain and France, leading to economic competition that paralleled military rivalries.
Militarism
An escalation in military spending and advancements in weaponry among European powers, notably the Anglo-German naval arms race, created a sense of inevitability regarding war.
The Alliance System
Triple Entente (Fr, Br, Rus): formed in response to the growing power of Germany, was a key element in the European balance of power. This alliance was not a formal treaty but a series of agreements that solidified mutual support.
Triple Alliance (Ger, Aus-H, It): designed to provide mutual support and counterbalance the Triple Entente. Italy’s later defection to the Entente was a significant shift in the alliance dynamics.
Entangling Alliances: The complex network of alliances meant that a conflict between two powers could quickly involve their respective allies, turning a localised conflict into a world war.
Decline of the Ottoman Empire
"Sick Man of Europe": The gradual decline of the Ottoman Empire, created a power vacuum, especially in the Balkans, a region of strategic importance and ethnic complexity.
Balkan Wars: The two Balkan Wars, which redrew the map of southeastern Europe, were symptomatic of the instability and nationalist aspirations in the region. These wars increased tensions among the Great Powers, who had vested interests in the region.
Austria Hungary & Russia
Austrian Concerns: The multinational empire of Austria-Hungary faced internal divisions and rising nationalism among its Slavic population, particularly Serbs, who were inspired by Serbian nationalism.
Russian Ambitions: Russia, considering itself the protector of Slavic peoples, was deeply involved in Balkan politics. Russian support for Serbia was in direct opposition to Austro-Hungarian interests, setting the stage for conflict in the region.
Balkan Nationalism
Rise of Nation-States: The emergence of nation-states in the Balkans, such as Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece, following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, introduced new dynamics into European politics.
Serbian Nationalism: Serbian nationalism was a significant factor in regional tensions. Serbia's ambition to unite all South Slavs, including those under Austro-Hungarian rule, was a direct threat to the integrity of the Habsburg Empire.
Balkan Wars
Balkan Wars (1912-1913): The Balkan League launched two wars against the Ottoman Empire. In the First Balkan War (1912-1913), the Balkan states successfully defeated the Ottomans and, together with Montenegro, gained significant territorial acquisitions in the Balkan Peninsula. However, internal disputes over the division of spoils led to the Second Balkan War (1913) among the former allies.
Young Turks
Young Turk Revolution (July 1908):n led to the establishment of a constitutional government in the Ottoman Empire- event increased nationalist sentiments in ethnic groups and in the Balkans.
Sparked bulgaria declaration of independence, Italy attack in North Africa= distractions for ottoman empire
allowed balkan states to capitalise on weakened ottoman empire
Formation of the Balkan League (1912): Exploiting the Ottoman distraction in North Africa, Balkan states (Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece) formed the Balkan League: aimed to address territorial disputes and nationalist aspirations.
The Arms Race
Technological Advancements: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant advancements in military technology, including more effective firearms, artillery, and the advent of warplanes and tanks. These advancements spurred an arms race among the European powers.
Mobilisation Plans: Countries like Germany and Russia developed detailed mobilisation plans. The German Schlieffen Plan, for example, was a strategy for a two-front war against France and Russia, which necessitated rapid mobilisation and aggressive action.