AMSCO 7.2

Causes of World War I

  • Quotation by Otto von Bismarck (1888): "The next great European war will probably come out of some damned foolish thing in the Balkans."

  • Essential Question: What were the causes and consequences of World War I?

Contextual Factors Leading to the War

  • Social and political developments prior to World War I created an environment of heightened tensions.

  • European nations sought to expand their empires, creating competition for raw materials in Africa and Asia.

    • This imperialism contributed to conflicts and competition.

  • A series of mutual alliances established commitments that involved nations in defense agreements that would lead them into war.

  • Arms races, particularly between Germany, Great Britain, and Russia, resulted in significant military influence in these countries.

Immediate Cause of Outbreak

  • The immediate cause of World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.

    • Gavrilo Princip: A Serbian nationalist associated with the Black Hand, an organization aimed at ending Austro-Hungarian control in the Balkans.

    • Austrian perspective: The Black Hand was viewed as a terrorist group.

  • Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, demanding an end to anti-Austrian activities.

  • Serbia's rejection of the ultimatum led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

  • Austria-Hungary sought support from its ally Germany for military action against Serbia.

  • Russia, seeing itself as a protector of Slavic peoples, began mobilizing against Austria-Hungary.

  • Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914, and subsequently declared war on France two days later.

  • Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, and Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia on August 6, 1914.

  • By the end of August 1914, Japan entered the conflict, marking it as a global war.

Long-Term Causes of World War I

  • Prinicip's assassination was just a catalyst; underlying tension had built for decades.

  • MAIN Causes of World War I:

    • Militarism:

    • Definition: Aggressive military preparedness that glorifies war and military strength.

    • European nations competed for dominance by investing heavily in their military capabilities.

    • Notable military build-up:

      • Great Britain and Germany vied to strengthen their navies and armies, influenced by the Industrial Revolution's capacity for mass production of weapons.

    • Public perception: War was increasingly viewed as a festive competition rather than a serious endeavor.

    • Alliances:

    • Definition: Secret agreements among countries to support each other in times of conflict.

    • The alliance system complicated the situation, leading to escalated responses:

      • Russia and Germany were drawn into conflict over Serbia and Austria-Hungary's dispute.

      • Triple Entente: Comprised Russia, France, and Great Britain, all viewing Germany as a rival.

      • Example: France's grudge from the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and territorial losses (Alsace-Lorraine).

      • Triple Alliance: Initially included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (which remained neutral until it joined the Allies in 1915).

      • By the war's end, a total of 27 nations formed alliances, contributing to the war's total scope.

    • Imperialism:

    • Definition: The competition among European powers for colonies and global domination heightened rivalries.

    • Late 19th-century colonial expansion focused heavily on Africa, leading to conflicts over territorial claims.

    • Imperialistic ambitions were a driving force behind tensions leading to the outbreak of war.

    • Nationalism:

    • Definition: A strong identification with and pride in one’s nation, often fostering a desire for self-determination.

    • Example of a nationalist action: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

    • Ethnic groups within empires sought independence, as seen with Serbian nationalism against Austro-Hungarian control.

    • Nationalist movements contributed to the participation of various groups in the war, radicalizing the conflict.

Consequences of the Great War

  • Major impact on the 20th century, leading to significant political changes and global consequences:

    • Downfall of four monarchies:

    • Russia

    • Austria-Hungary

    • Germany

    • Ottoman Empire

    • Redrawing of European map, fragmentation of empires, and initiation of new political landscapes in the Middle East and Europe.

    • Germany’s loss of overseas territories and reparations imposed as punishment for the war.

    • War contributed to shifts in power away from European dominance towards the United States.

    • Development of authoritarian regimes in the post-war period, leading into World War II due to unresolved tensions and dissatisfaction with treaty terms.

    • New technologies influenced the war's deadly nature, which led to massive loss of life and significant societal transformations:

    • Increased violence and destruction established World War I as the deadliest conflict of the time.

    • Economic repercussions and the rise of ideologies such as communism and fascism in post-war societies.

Key Terms by Theme

  • Government: Wars and Rebellions

    • Great War

    • Gavrilo Princip

  • Government: Leaders

    • Archduke Franz Ferdinand

  • Government: Alliances

    • Triple Entente

    • Allies

    • Triple Alliance

    • Central Powers

  • Society: Ideologies and Organizations

    • Black Hand

    • Militarism

    • Secret alliances

    • Self-determination