Recording-2025-02-25T14_34_48.431Z

Introduction to Causes of World War I

• Pre-war beliefs in 1914 were marked by militarization and competition among great powers.

• Countries like Germany invested heavily in their military, raising concerns for Britain, prompting increased naval expenditures.

Major Causes of War (MAIN)

Militarism

• Militarism refers to the buildup and prioritization of a strong military and emphasizes national defense.

• Countries began to invest significantly in their armed forces, with a focus on both army size and technological advancements.

• Britain responded to Germany's naval expansion by further enhancing its own navy.

• Economic resources were directed towards military improvements and preparedness for war.

Brinksmanship

• Brinksmanship is a strategy of pushing dangerous events to the brink of active conflict while delaying actual conflict.

• This approach is based on the calculation that a show of strength and military readiness may lead to concessions from the rival party without engaging in war.

• However, excessive brinksmanship can lead to miscalculations and unintentional escalations into war.

Alliances

• Alliances are agreements among nations to provide mutual support in times of conflict.

• In 1914, Europe was primarily divided into two alliance systems:

  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

  • Triple Entente: France, Great Britain, Russia.

• Alliances were meant to provide strength in numbers and deter aggressors through the threat of collective retaliation.

• However, the binding nature of alliances could draw countries into unwanted conflicts due to obligations.

Imperialism

• Imperialism refers to the competition among European nations for colonies, particularly in Africa.

• Nations scrambled for control of colonies, leading to tensions and confrontations that raised the possibility of war without actual armed conflict.

• When conflict broke out in Europe, colonies were also drawn into the war, extending the conflict to global proportions.

Nationalism

• Nationalism is a strong sense of pride and loyalty to one’s nation, often leading to belief in national superiority.

• Nationalist sentiments often caused rivalries, particularly among ethnic groups within multi-ethnic empires like Austria-Hungary.

• It created an environment of tension and competition, fostering desires for independence among subject ethnicities.

• The desire for national self-determination led to violent confrontations against dominant powers.

The Catalyst: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June 1914 by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip sparked the July Crisis.

• Ferdinand was viewed as a symbol of imperial oppression by various ethnic groups within the empire.

• The assassination prompted Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, which was only partially accepted.

• Austria-Hungary began mobilizing its military, leading to escalated tensions.

The Escalation to War

• The assassination act set off a chain reaction:

  • Austria-Hungary sought support from Germany, which promised military assistance.

  • Russia mobilized in defense of Serbia.

  • As alliances activated, France and Britain began preparing for potential involvement.

  • By early August 1914, the combination of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism led to the outbreak of World War I.

Conclusion

• The unique combination of underlying causes of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism created a volatile environment.

• The assassination of Franz Ferdinand acted as a catalyst, igniting the long-standing tensions leading to a global conflict.