History Document Analysis WW1

List the long-term causes of WW1 and explain them.

Militarism: Building up armed forces, getting ready for war.
Alliances: Agreements or promises to defend and help another country.
Imperialism: Trying to build up an Empire.
Nationalism: Having pride in your country, willing to defend it.
Significant Individuals: Kaiser Wilhelm 2 (build up German army and navy, determined to make Germany top nation) and Count Berchtold (Austrian prime minister, was the one who decided on the tough ultimatum for Serbia). Lastly, Bethmann Hollweg (German Prime Minister, strong support to Austria during July Crisis when Kaiser was away on his yatch).

Who were the allies (Triple Entente)

Britain
France
Russia 
Serbia
Belgium

Who were the central powers (Allied Entente)

Germany
Austro-Hungarian Empire
Bulgaria 
Italy (In return for promises of territory, Italy withdrew from the Triple Alliance and joined the Allies in May 1915)
Turkish Ottoman Empire

What was a short-term cause of WW1?

The July Crisis
28th June the Archduke Fraz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Bosnian Serb nationalist. It escalated as Austria-Hungary (supported by Germany) delivered a harsh ultimatum to Serbia, causing an alliance with Russia. This quickly started a European war by August.

How was WW1 fought- and where

It was fought on many fronts: on land, on and under the sea and in the air.
Western Front: Schlieffen Plan, trench warfare 4 years, millions of lives lost.
Eastern Front: Germany vs Russia, Germany successfull, 1917 November Russia had to leave due to Russian Revolution, 2 million Russians were killed or POW’s.
Other theaters of war=
The war at sea: Germany vs Britian. Germany had a big naval buildup and Britian saw it as a threat so in 1914 Britian blockaded German fleet so Germany couldn’t import war materials. Germany then used boats (submarines) to attack allied countries , even neutral countries were attacked so the US joined in 1917.
Other European Fronts:
Italy vs Austria 
ect
War in the colonies:

How long did the war last?

4 years.
July 28, 1914, and ended on November 11, 1918.

Why did Australia join the war?

When Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914, Australia was part of the British Empire and therefore was also at war.

What was the Australian government’s response to WW1?

The Australian Labor Party leader, Andrew Fisher, expressed a popular view when he pledged that Australia would back Britain ‘to the last man and the last shilling’. Australia was the only combatant that did not impose conscription, so individual Australians still had the choice of whether or not they would fight. But enthusiastic volunteers from all over the country rushed to enlist.

Why did so many young men enlist in WW1?

Some went for personal reasons such as to escape unemployment, to travel or to seek adventure. Many imagined war as exciting and thought that this one would be over in weeks. But most joined believing that Britain’s cause was right. They had been brought up to believe that men should be willing to die for their country and the empire, and that Australia needed to prove to Britain that Australians were heroic and worthy of being regarded as true Britons.

Example of Militarism:

Germany was competing with UK to build battleships.
The British feared an attack on their Empire.
Germany was competing with Russia and France to expand their armies.

Examples of Alliances

By 1914 all major powers were linked by a system of alliances.
These alliances made it more likely for war to start.
Once started, alliances made it easier for the war to spread.

Examples of Imperialism

All the great powers were competing for colonies/territory.
The British feared Germany in Africa.
Austrians feared Serbia/Austria in Balkans.

Nationalism

All nations wanted to assert their power and independence.
In Europe Slavs, aided by Serbia and Russia, wanted to be free of the Austrian rule.

Why did Britian get involved?

They had Ententes (informal/friendly alliance) with France and Russia, only ‘friendly agreements’ but French and Russians give impression Britian would fight.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany’s military plan to defeat France and Russia.
They used ‘knock out and blow’ aimed at France first. To avoid the french defences they invaded Belgium, thinking Britian would not interfer. However, in 1938 Britian signed a treaty to protect Belgium, but Britian was also scared of Germany controlling the channel ports. However, Britian did not want Germany to defeat France and dominate Europe, thinking they would be next. UK issued an ultimatium for Germany to withdraw troops from Belgium, war was then declaed on 4 Augist 1914.

What countries joined the allies?

Greece, Portugal, Romania, Japan, China, Brazil, US (1917)