Causes of WWI - Quick Reference

MANIA

  • Definition: The major causes of WWI summarized as Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination.
  • Purpose: Explain why European powers moved toward a large-scale conflict by 1914.

Militarism

  • Definition: When a nation’s armed forces dominate policy; a glorification of the military, navy, and war.
  • 1910–1914 defense spending increases:
    • 10%10\% (France)
    • 13%13\% (Britain)
    • 39%39\% (Russia)
    • 73%73\% (Germany)

The Schlieffen Plan

  • Key idea: Defeat France quickly to avoid a two-front war.
  • Germany would mobilize swiftly and strike France through Belgium and the Low Countries.
  • 6 weeks: Russia’s mobilization time estimate.
  • Allocation: ~90% of Germany’s armed forces90\%\text{ of Germany’s armed forces} to the western front; remainder to deter Russia in the east.

The Schlieffen Plan (Geography & Execution)

  • Objective: Rapid defeat of France before Russia could fully mobilize.
  • Route: through Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg into northern France; avoid France’s eastern defenses.
  • Result: Triggered Allied fears and Belgian/French resistance; contributed to broader war planning.

The Alliance System

  • Definition: Treaties pledging mutual defense if attacked.

- Europe split into two major blocs: Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.

  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
  • Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, Russia

Alliances: Purpose and Consequences

  • Purpose: Provide security guarantees; deter aggression.
  • Consequence: Small conflicts could escalate into a wider war due to ententes.

Nationalism

  • Definition: Pride and patriotism for one’s nation; in WWI, nationalism became aggressive and destabilizing.
  • Effects: Independent nations pursued dominance; rivalries intensified across Europe.

Bosnian Crisis (1908) & Balkan Wars (1911–1912)

  • Bosnian Crisis (1908):
    • Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia; Serbia opposed, backed by Russia.
    • Germany supported Austria-Hungary; Russia threatened; crisis almost escalated to war but Russia backed down.
  • Balkan Wars (1911–1912):
    • Balkan states expelled Turkey from the region; disputes over territory increased tensions.
    • Austria-Hungary intervened; Serbia pressed; tensions remained high.

Imperialism

  • Definition: Domination of one country over another’s political, economic, or cultural life.
  • Motivation: Industrial Revolution increased production, creating demand for raw materials and new markets.
  • Consequence: Colonial rivalries intensified, contributing to arms race and alliances.
  • Colonial possessions intensified relations among France, Britain, Germany, and Italy.

The Moroccan Crises (1905 & 1911)

  • 1904–France gained influence in Morocco; Germany challenged.
  • 1905 Crisis: Kaiser Wilhelm II agitated in Tangier; France mobilized; Britain supported France; moderation achieved by concessions.
  • 1911 Crisis: Germany protested French control; sent ships to Agadir; Britain backed France; Germany conceded part of Congo but remained wary.
  • Impact: Heightened tensions among the great powers and exposed brittle alliances.

Assassination: The Spark (1914)

  • Date: June 28, 1914
  • Victim: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip (Serbian nationalist).
  • Impact: Provided the immediate pretext for war and accelerated chain reactions among alliance systems.

The Domino Effect / The Point of No Return

  • Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia.
  • Germany pledged support to Austria-Hungary; Russia mobilized to support Serbia.
  • Germany declared war on Russia; France supported Russia; Germany declared war on France.
  • Germany invaded Belgium to reach France; Britain declared war on Germany in defense of Belgium.

The Powers at War (Overview)

  • Allied Powers: Great Britain, France, Russia (later others)
  • Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (Italy joined the Allies in 1915)

Quick Reference: Core Linkages

  • Militarism increased defense expenditure and readiness for war.
  • Alliances created two blocs, turning any regional conflict into a continental war.
  • Nationalism fueled competition and crises in the Balkans and beyond.
  • Imperialism fed rivalries over colonies and global influence.
  • The assassination in 1914 acted as the trigger that activated alliance commitments and mobilizations.

Key Dates to Remember

  • 1905 & 1911: Moroccan Crises
  • 1908: Bosnian Crisis
  • 1907–1914: General arms buildup and alliance strengthening
  • 28 June 1914: Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
  • 1914: War declarations and mobilizations follow the domino sequence