Causes of WW1 | GCSE History

Introduction to the First World War

• Focus on conflict and tension from the 1890s to 1918.

• Topic: Causes of the First World War.

• Key focus on the power structures of Europe, alliances, and the Central Powers.

Understanding the Alliance System

• The alliance system grouped European empires into two major factions:

  • Central Powers: Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy.

  • Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia.

• Examination of the tipping point: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip.

Complexity of the Causes of the First World War

• Comparison of the First World War causes to the Second World War.

• First World War influenced by:

  • Geopolitical tensions: Different empires with nationalistic populations.

  • Imperialism and nationalism: Contributed to rising tensions amongst empires.

  • Importance of individual rulers and their relationships, e.g., Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Wilhelm II, Tsar Nicholas II.

Historical Context (1894-1914)

• Increasing competition among European empires leading to conflicts.

• Establishment of alliances as a defensive strategy:

  • Response to aggressive nations, notably France's ambitions.

The Central Powers in Detail

• Components of the Central Powers:

  1. Germany:

     • Unified in 1871.

     • Industrial power with a strong economy, critical for war production.

     • Conflict with Britain over naval superiority under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

  2. Austro-Hungarian Empire:

     • A vast empire of diverse nationalities; faced internal instability.

     • Tension with rival Serbia, which had Russian support.

  3. Italy:

     • The weakest link in the alliance.

     • Sought imperial interests and depended on mutual defense agreements.

Implications of the Alliance System

• Security framework of alliances led to the potential for extensive conflict.

• Resolved to mutual defense but also escalated situations into widespread war.

• Foundations laid for one of the largest conflicts in history, the First World War.