7.2 - Causes of World War I 

World War I Overview:

• Duration and Scale: World War I, also known as the Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was unprecedented in scale, involving many nations from different parts of the world and resulting in immense casualties among soldiers and civilians.

• Impact: The war significantly weakened Western European powers, encouraging the growth of nationalism and self-rule movements in European colonies in Asia and Africa.

• Aftermath and Treaties: Treaties signed at the end of the war, such as the Treaty of Versailles, imposed harsh penalties on Germany and reshaped national borders, which helped set the stage for World War II.

• Significance: It was one of the most significant events of the 20th century, influencing political, economic, and social landscapes globally.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:

• Event: The immediate cause of the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip.

• Perpetrator: Princip, a Serbian nationalist, was a member of the Black Hand, a nationalist organization aiming to end Austro-Hungarian presence in the Balkans.

• Perception: From the Austro-Hungarian perspective, the Black Hand was considered a terrorist group.

Escalation of Conflict:

• Ultimatum and War Declaration: Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to Serbia demanding the suppression of anti-Austrian activities. Serbia's rejection of the ultimatum led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

• Alliances Activated: Austria-Hungary sought support from Germany, while Serbia turned to Russia. Germany declared war on Russia on August 1 and on France on August 3. Britain declared war on Germany on August 4. By the end of August, Japan had joined the conflict, escalating it into a world war.

Militarism:

• Definition and Influence: Militarism, defined as aggressive military preparedness, celebrated war and the armed forces. European powers, especially Britain and Germany, competed to build up their militaries, leading to an arms race.

• Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution allowed for the mass production of weapons and military supplies, fueling militarism.

• Public Perception: Militaristic attitudes led the public to view war as a noble and heroic endeavor, with many believing the conflict would be short and decisive.

Alliances:

• Formation and Purpose: European nations formed secret alliances for mutual protection, leading to a network of interlocking treaties that could easily draw multiple countries into conflict.

• Triple Entente: The Triple Entente, consisting of Britain, France, and Russia, saw Germany as a common rival.

• Triple Alliance: The Triple Alliance, made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, also sought to strengthen their positions through mutual support. Italy switched allegiance to the Allies during the war.

• Central Powers: When the war began, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria joined the former Triple Alliance, now called the Central Powers.

Imperialism:

• Competition and Tensions: Imperialism led to intense competition among European nations for colonies and global influence, contributing to pre-war tensions.

• Scramble for Colonies: European powers sought to expand their empires by acquiring territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This competition often led to conflicts over territory and resources.

Nationalism:

• Definition and Movements: Nationalism, the belief in the superiority and interests of one's nation, played a significant role in the lead-up to World War I. Nationalist sentiments were strong in multi-ethnic empires.

• Immediate Cause: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip was driven by Serbian nationalism. Nationalism also fueled competition among European nations.

Downfalls and Redrawn Maps:

• Collapse of Empires: The war led to the collapse of four major empires: the Russian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the German Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

• Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles and other post-war agreements redrew national borders in Europe and the Middle East, creating new countries and altering existing ones.

Technological and Social Impact:

• Innovations: World War I introduced new technologies and methods of warfare, making the war more deadly and destructive than any previous conflict.

• Economic Disruption: The war disrupted European economies, leading to economic hardship and social unrest. It also contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes.

Post-War Tensions:

• Treaty Penalties: The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, creating resentment and economic hardship.

• Political Instability: The punitive conditions contributed to political instability and the rise of extremist movements.

Government: Wars and Rebellions:

• Great War: Another name for World War I, featuring its unprecedented scale and impact.

• Gavrilo Princip: The Serbian nationalist whose assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked the war.

Government: Leaders:

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination led to the outbreak of World War I.

Government: Alliances:

• Triple Entente: Alliance between Britain, France, and Russia, formed to counterbalance the power of the Triple Alliance.

• Allies: The coalition of nations, including the Triple Entente and later Italy, Japan, and the United States, that opposed the Central Powers.

• Triple Alliance: Pre-war alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Italy later joined the Allies.

• Central Powers: The coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I.

Society: Ideologies and Organizations:

• Black Hand: Serbian nationalist organization responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

• Militarism: The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war, contributing to the arms race among European nations.

• Secret alliances: Agreements between countries to provide mutual support in case of attack, contributing to the rapid escalation of the war.

• Self-determination: The principle that ethnic groups have the right to form their own sovereign states, a key factor in nationalist movements during and after the war.