WORLD WAR I

WORLD WAR I

CONTEXT

• Tensions increased among European powers due to:

  • Nationalism and competition over imperial possessions.

  • Aggressive policies under Wilhelm II led to the collapse of the Bismarckian alliance system.

  • The Balkans were a contentious area; Bismarck noted a future war would arise from a foolish incident there.

THE EVOLUTION OF ALLIANCES

THE SHIFTING ALLIANCES

• Timeline of alliances:

  • 1873: Three Emperors’ League

  • 1879: Dual Alliance

  • 1882: Triple Alliance

  • 1887: Reinsurance Treaty

  • 1892: Franco-Russian Alliance

  • 1904: Entente Cordiale

  • 1907: Triple Entente

CONSIDERATIONS

• Why did these alliances develop and change over time?

BISMARCK’S FOREIGN POLICY AIMS

• Maintained status quo to prevent disruptions to German unification.

• Aimed to avoid "encirclement" by enemies.

• Sought to isolate France due to conflicts over Alsace-Lorraine.

BISMARCK’S ALLIANCES

1873 – Three Emperors’ League

• An alliance between Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary collapsed due to rivalries over Balkan issues.

1879 – Dual Alliance

• Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to assist each other against Russia.

1882 – Triple Alliance

• Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed an alliance against French threats, particularly after the French occupation of Tunisia.

1887 – Reinsurance Treaty

• Guaranteed neutrality between Germany and Russia.

WILHELM II

• Believed in ruling by divine right; more expansionist than Wilhelm I.

• Sought Germany’s recognition as a Great Power, coining the phrase "a place in the sun."

• Dismissed Bismarck in 1890.

POST-BISMARCK ALLIANCES

1892 - Franco-Russian Alliance

• Defensive alliance viewed as alarming by Germany, increasing the threat from both east and west.

1904 - Entente Cordiale

• Marked the end of British isolationism, promoting friendly relations with France.

1907 - Triple Entente

• Formed in response to Germany's naval expansion, encircling Germany with alliances.

CONFLICT LEADS TO WAR

TENSIONS RISE: CONFLICT IN AFRICA

• 1905: Germany supported Moroccan independence; Britain backed France.

• 1908: Annexation of Bosnia by Austria-Hungary upset Serbian nationalists.

• 1911: Second Moroccan Crisis almost led to war but resulted in a diplomatic agreement.

THE M.A.I.N. CAUSES OF WWI

• MILITARISM: Arms race led to larger military forces;

• ALLIANCES: Obligations caused the conflict to escalate.

• IMPERIALISM: Heightened rivalries and competition for colonies.

• NATIONALISM: Pursuit of national supremacy and ethnic conflicts (e.g., Pan-Slavism vs. Pan-Germanism).

THE SPARK: SARAJEVO & FRANZ FERDINAND

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated by Gavrillo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.

• Assassination invoked alliances: Russia supported Serbia, Germany backed Austria.

ULTIMATUM & BLANK CHECK

• Austria's demands to Serbia included:

  • Cease anti-Austrian propaganda.

  • Allow Austria to investigate the assassination.

  • Stop nationalist movements.

• Serbia's refusal led to Austria-Hungary mobilizing its army with Germany pledging support through a "blank check."

• Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914; Russia began mobilization.

DISCUSSION

• Explore how alliances transformed the conflict into a global war.

WAR BEGINS

WAR AS CELEBRATION

• Initial enthusiasm for war expected it to be short; seen as a patriotic adventure but reality was grim.

FIGHTING THE WAR

THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

• German strategy was to defeat France quickly before Russia could mobilize by invading through Belgium. The plan ultimately failed due to the resilience of the Allies.

• The Battle of the Marne (1914) demonstrated that WWI would become a war of attrition, leading to long trench warfare.

MAJOR BATTLES

1914 - TANNENBERG

• German forces effectively destroyed the Russian Army due to superior tactics and intelligence.

• Showed strain on Russia due to its less industrialized nature.

1915 - GALLIPOLI

• Allies aimed to open a new front, but the campaign failed disastrously, impacting Winston Churchill's reputation.

1916 - VERDUN & THE SOMME

• VERDUN: Longest battle with massive casualties but no significant gains.

• THE SOMME: Notable for tank use and high casualties on the first day.

PROPAGANDA & TOTAL WAR

• TOTAL WAR: Involving civilians and soldiers in the war effort.

• PROPAGANDA: Mobilized public support through fear, guilt, and patriotism.

THE TIDE OF WAR TURNS

• Significant events leading to change of fortune:

  • May 1915: Sinking of the Lusitania.

  • January 1917: Zimmerman Telegram encouraging Mexico to attack the US.

  • April 1917: US enters the war alongside the Allies.

GERMANY SURRENDERS

• Failed Spring Offensive by Germany met by American troop influx.

• Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated; Wilson presented his 14 Points for peace.

• Armistice signed on November 11, 1918.

THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES

• Deemed "Dictated Peace," forcing Germany to:

  • Pay reparations and accept blame for war.

  • Lose significant territory, including Alsace-Lorraine and colonies.

  • Military limitations imposed (100,000 troops, limited naval capacity).

  • Establishment of the League of Nations.

DISCUSSION

• Analyze the political, economic, and social effects of WWI. Prioritize the most significant consequences.