Causes of World War One

Causes of World War One

Militarism

• Militarism: The belief that states should build strong militaries and use them aggressively to protect their interests.

• Industrial manufacturing led to the rapid production of deadlier weapons.

• Germany's military buildup:

  • Unified in the previous period, leading to rapid industrialization.

  • Possessed arguably the most powerful military force in Europe in the early 20th century.

• France's military was weak compared to Germany due to internal problems.

• Great Britain had a large military due to their vast empire.

• Britain's commitment to militarism strained their national resources.

System of International Alliances

• The balance of power in Europe was expressed through two major alliances:

  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

  • Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia.

• Alliances were created for national security or to isolate rival states.

• Elaborate military mobilization plans were created in case of war.

• States built thousands of miles of railroads to mobilize troops.

• Precise timetables for railroad operations were devised.

• Once mobilization began, it was difficult to stop without causing chaos.

Imperialism

• Imperial expansion was driven by the desire to project power on the world stage.

• States achieved great power status by acquiring larger empires.

• Germany sought to enlarge its empire at the expense of other European powers.

• Conflicts arose over existing colonial holdings, leading to the creation of the alliance system.

Nationalism

• Nation-states emphasized the glory and commonality of their own people while defining other nation-states as enemies.

• Europeans embraced nationalistic messages through schools, military service, and mass media.

• National identities and loyalties were considered the most important thing.

• Nationalistic fervor convinced people that their national identities were under threat from rival states.

• Conflict had to be met with force instead of compromise due to nationalism.

Spark that Ignited World War One

• Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

• Nationalism caused the Serbian assassination, leading Austria to demand retaliation.

• Alliance system: Serbia was allied with Russia, and Austria-Hungary with Germany.

• Russia was allied with Britain and France, while Germany was allied with Italy.

• The entire alliance system lit up due to the conflict, along with inflexible mobilization processes, resulting in World War One.