7.2

Causes of World War I

• Historical Context: The quote from German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck suggests premonitions of conflict arising from the Balkans.

• Essential Question: Understanding the causes and consequences of World War I is pivotal in grasping its historical significance.

Contributing Factors to Conflict

• Social and Political Developments: Tension escalated due to shifting powers and the competitive nature of European nations.

  • Nations expanded their empires to secure raw materials in Africa and Asia.

  • Entangled alliances led to a web of commitments among nations for mutual defense.

  • Arms races among Germany, Great Britain, and Russia created significant military influence on the political landscape.

Immediate Causes of War

• Rising Nationalism: A surge in national pride and ethnic tensions culminated in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip, drawing Austria-Hungary into conflict with Serbia.

  • Assassination Context: Princip's actions were motivated by Serbian nationalism aimed at ending Austro-Hungarian dominance in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

• War Declaration Sequence:

  • Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia; upon rejection, declared war on July 28, 1914.

  • Russia supported Serbia, leading to Germany declaring war on Russia and then France.

  • Britain entered the war against Germany shortly after, and the conflict spiraled into a world war with Japan joining by late August 1914.

Long-Term Causes of the Great War

• Acronym for Tensions: MAIN

  • Militarism:

    • Defined as aggressive military preparedness; nations prioritized military strength and spending post-Industrial Revolution.

    • The cultural perspective rendered war as a competitive, even festive activity, leading to a cavalier attitude toward conflict (example: “It’ll be over by Christmas”).

  • Alliances:

    • Secret alliances formed among European nations meant mutual defense pacts; for instance, the Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia) against the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).

    • Alliances meant that conflicts among nations could rapidly escalate into broader wars given the interconnected obligations.

  • Imperialism:

    • Western European nations competed for global dominance and colonial territories, which heightened rivalries.

    • The scrabble for African colonies intensified friction and ambitions among nations.

  • Nationalism:

    • Growing pride in national identity led to desires for self-determination among ethnic groups, particularly within multi-national empires.

    • Nationalist movements like that of the Serbs contributed directly to the triggering events of World War I.

Consequences of the Great War

• Global Impact: World War I shattered the optimism of the early 20th century, leading to significant global shifts.

• Political Changes:

  • The downfall of four empires: Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire.

  • Redrew national borders in Europe and the Middle East, with new political landscapes emerging.

• Colonial Repercussions: Loss of overseas colonies for Germany and the shifting control of Ottoman provinces to Britain and France marked the decline of imperialism.

• Emergence of New Ideologies: The war's devastation contributed to the rise of communism and fascism, as well as various social revolts and genocides.

• Historical Significance: The conflict demonstrated the lethal potential of modern warfare and shifted economic power from Europe to the United States.

• Treaty of Versailles: Germany faced severe restrictions, taking blame for the war and required reparations—conditions that sowed seeds for future conflicts.

Key Terms by Theme

• GOVERNMENT:

  • Great War

  • Gavrilo Princip

  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand

  • Triple Entente

  • Allies

  • Triple Alliance

  • Central Powers

• SOCIETY:

  • Black Hand

  • Militarism

  • Secret alliances

  • Self-determination