Extended WW1 Notes

Background to World War I:

  • The outbreak of World War I in 1914 resulted from complex long-term causes and short-term sparks.

  • Rivalries and jealousies over resources, economic progress, and colonies led to tensions and mistrust.

  • The Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) saw Germany defeat France, claim Alsace-Lorraine, and unify its kingdoms.

  • Two major alliances formed: Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia).

Europe in the Lead-Up to War:

  • By 1901, Europe appeared peaceful, with closely related royal families across countries.

  • The Industrial Revolution transformed Western Europe, improving technology, health care, and transport.

  • Prosperity masked international and domestic tensions, with rivalry over economic progress, living standards, colonial empires, and military developments.

  • Rising influence of socialism and anarchism caused fear among governments.

Imperialism:

  • European powers competed for new territories to build empires, focusing on Africa in the late 19th century ("scramble for Africa").

  • Main rivals in Africa: Britain (largest empire), France, Germany (unified in 1871, building its empire).

Nationalism:

  • Nationalism, a sense of pride and love for one's nation, could unite or divide people.

  • Contributed to Germany's unification and its alliance with Austria-Hungary.

  • Ethnic groups in Austria-Hungary, like Bosnia-Herzegovina, sought independence, supported by Russia.

  • 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, sparking the conflict.

Outbreak of World War I:

  • Assassination: Austria-Hungary took control of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908; tensions with Serb nationalists led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914.

  • July Crisis: Austria-Hungary issued 10 demands to Serbia; Serbia's partial acceptance led to war declarations.

  • Declarations of War:

    • Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

    • Germany declared war on Russia and France.

    • Britain declared war on Germany after the invasion of Belgium, violating its neutrality.

    • Italy remained neutral initially, later joined Triple Entente.

    • Turkey joined Triple Alliance; USA joined Triple Entente in April 1917.

The Schlieffen Plan:

  • Germany's plan to quickly defeat France by passing through Belgium, assuming Russia would take longer to prepare.

  • Britain's treaty with Belgium forced it to join the conflict.

  • The Schlieffen Plan's historical validity is debated, with some historians viewing it as a theoretical exercise