In-Depth Notes on World War I Causes and Events

Main Causes of World War I

  • Imperialism:

    • Pursuit of empire by dominating other nations politically, economically, and socially.
    • Led to rivalry among nations: Great Britain, France, Russia, and Germany all engaged in imperialistic competition.
    • The U.S. began its own imperialistic pursuits post-Spanish-American War.

  • Militarism:

    • Build-up of military forces in preparation for war to protect territories and assert dominance.
    • The late 1800s saw Germany enhancing its navy to rival Great Britain, while the U.S. and Japan participated in an naval arms race in the Pacific.
    • Key Terms:
    • Conscription: The draft of individuals into military service.

  • Alliances:

    • Agreements between nations to protect one another, creating a network of mutual defense.
    • Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
    • Triple Entente (Allied Powers): France, Britain, Russia, with later additions of Italy, Japan, and the U.S.

  • Nationalism:

    • Cultivating pride in one's nation or ethnic group, leading to competition and conflicts.
    • Inspired movements such as unification of Italy and Germany and heightened tensions in the Balkans.

Rising Tensions in the Balkans

  • The Balkans region was a hotbed of nationalism, particularly in Serbia.
  • Austria-Hungary viewed Serbian nationalism as a threat, fearing it could incite rebellion among its own ethnic minorities.
  • Serbian Independence:
    • Independent from the Ottoman Empire since 1878, but some Slavic regions (e.g., Bosnia-Herzegovina) were given to A-H.
    • Pan-Slavism: Movement advocating for the solidarity and unity of Slavic peoples, supported by Russia.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the A-H throne and seen as a potential reformer for minority rights.
  • Assassination:
    • Carried out by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian nationalist group, the Black Hand.
    • The assassination took place in Sarajevo and triggered the series of events leading to WWI.

The Ultimatum and Outbreak of War

  • Austria-Hungary's Ultimatum:
    • Demands included condemning anti-A-H propaganda and allowing A-H to participate in legal proceedings against the assassins.
    • Serbia's response: Accepted most demands but rejected the last, leading to military mobilization.
  • Start of War:
    • A-H declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
    • Russia mobilized in defense of Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia on August 1, 1914.
    • Germany also declared war on France shortly after.

Military Strengths of Sides

  • Central Powers:

    • Composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, allowed efficient troop movement and communication.
    • Notable for a well-equipped army and strong navy (U-boats).

  • Allied Powers:

    • Russia, France, Great Britain, with greater industrial capacity for weapon and food production.
    • Britain possessed the largest navy, enabling transportation and support logistics.
    • Strong ties to colonies for resources and manpower.