Hist 12 - Causes of WWI video
Summary
TLDRWorld War I, known as the Great War, was sparked by a complex web of alliances, colonial rivalries, and nationalistic fervor. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist was the catalyst, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. Germany's support for Austria and the subsequent mobilizations by Russia and France set off a chain reaction, culminating in Germany's invasion of Belgium and Britain's entry into the war, marking the beginning of a devastating global conflict.
Takeaways
- 🌍 World War I, known as the Great War, was the most destructive conflict at the time, involving numerous countries and introducing concepts like total war and universal suffrage.
- 🏰 The political landscape of Europe in 1914 was dominated by major powers such as France, Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russia, with Britain as a significant naval and colonial power.
- 🤝 Bismarck's strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts isolated France and maintained a balance of power in Europe, but his resignation led to a shift in German foreign policy.
- 🔗 The Dual Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy faced off against the Dual Entente of Russia and France, creating a tense situation where conflicts could escalate quickly.
- 🇬🇧 Britain's policy of 'splendid isolation' ended as it patched up differences with France, leading to the Entente Cordiale and later the Anglo-French Entente.
- 🚢 Germany's pursuit of colonial expansion and a large navy led to a naval arms race with Britain, increasing tensions and military preparedness.
- ⏰ The Schlieffen Plan, designed to quickly defeat France before turning to Russia, was a critical part of Germany's military strategy but had significant flaws.
- 🔥 The Balkans, with its complex mix of empires and nationalist movements, was a volatile region that contributed to the outbreak of war.
- 🔫 The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo was the immediate trigger for Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, escalating the conflict.
- ⏳ The rapid sequence of ultimatums and mobilizations by European powers, particularly Germany's invasion of Belgium, led to Britain's entry into the war and the full-scale outbreak of World War I.
Q & A
What was the significance of World War One in terms of its destructiveness and scope?
-World War One was the most destructive war at the time and was called the Great War due to its enormous scope, involving millions of soldiers from dozens of countries around the world.
Why was Germany's Chancellor Otto von Bismarck concerned about France seeking revenge for the loss of Alsace-Lorraine?
-Bismarck was concerned because if France could ally with a powerful neighbor like Austria or Russia, Germany's very existence might come under threat.
How did Germany's alliance network change after Bismarck's resignation?
-After Bismarck's resignation, Germany's treaty with Russia lapsed, leading to Russia and France becoming allies against an alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy.
What was the impact of the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale on Germany's perception of Britain's foreign policy?
-Germany perceived the Entente Cordiale as an anti-German agreement, which led to increased tensions and efforts to break it up.
Why did Germany's quest for colonial expansion lead to conflicts with other major powers?
-Germany's quest for an empire brought it into conflict with other major powers as it sought to acquire territories that were already claimed or desired by them.
What was the Schlieffen Plan and how did it influence Germany's strategy in the early stages of World War One?
-The Schlieffen Plan was a strategy devised by Germany to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium and encircling Paris before turning to the Eastern Front to face Russia.
How did the Balkan region contribute to the tensions leading up to World War One?
-The Balkans, known as the powder keg of Europe, had complex ethnic tensions and overlapping imperial interests, which made the region prone to conflicts that could escalate into a larger war.
What event in 1914 provided Austria-Hungary with a pretext to assert its authority over Serbia?
-The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist provided Austria-Hungary with a pretext to assert its authority over Serbia.
How did the Schlieffen Plan's reliance on rapid mobilization contribute to the escalation of World War One?
-The Schlieffen Plan's reliance on rapid mobilization meant that once the order to mobilize was issued, war was inevitable, as it would trigger a chain reaction of mobilizations by other countries.
What was the role of the 1839 Treaty of London in Britain's decision to enter World War One?
-Britain, as a signatory of the 1839 Treaty of London, was committed to guaranteeing Belgium's independence. Germany's invasion of Belgium led Britain to declare war on Germany.
Outlines
🌍 Origins of World War I
This paragraph discusses the historical context leading to World War I, known as the Great War, which was the most destructive conflict at the time involving numerous countries. It highlights the political landscape of Europe in 1914, dominated by major powers like France, Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russia. The unification of Germany under Prussia and the subsequent tensions with France over Alsace-Lorraine are explained. Otto von Bismarck's strategy of alliances to isolate France is outlined, as well as the shift in power dynamics following his resignation and the rise of the Dual Alliance between Russia and France. The scramble for colonies and the naval race between Britain and Germany are also mentioned as contributing factors to the war.
🚀 Colonial Rivalry and Military Build-up
This section delves into Germany's pursuit of colonial expansion under Wilhelm II, aiming to become a world power with a large empire for access to resources and prestige. It details Germany's late entry into the colonial race and the resulting conflicts with other powers, exemplified by the Morocco Crisis. The paragraph also covers the arms race among European powers, with a focus on the naval arms race between Britain and Germany, leading to increased military spending and conscription. The concept of war as a policy option and the necessity of a strong army among nations is also discussed.
⚔️ The Schlieffen Plan and European Alliances
The paragraph explains Germany's military strategy, the Schlieffen Plan, which aimed to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia due to the latter's slower mobilization. It points out the plan's reliance on the invasion of Belgium and Luxembourg, which risked drawing Britain into the war. The paragraph also discusses the ethnic tensions within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Balkan region's volatile political situation, known as the 'powder keg of Europe,' due to the interests of multiple empires and rising nationalism.
🔫 The Road to War: Assassination and Ultimatums
This section narrates the events leading to the outbreak of World War I, beginning with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist, which Austria-Hungary used as a pretext to issue an ultimatum to Serbia. It describes the support Germany pledged to Austria-Hungary and the subsequent diplomatic crisis. The paragraph outlines the failed attempts at diplomacy, including Britain's proposal for a conference, and the escalating series of ultimatums and mobilizations by Russia, Germany, and France that ultimately led to war.
🏰 The Outbreak of World War I
The final paragraph describes the immediate events that led to the full-scale outbreak of World War I. It details Germany's ultimatums to Russia and France, the rejection of these ultimatums, and the subsequent mobilizations and invasions. The invasion of Luxembourg and Belgium by Germany and the resulting British ultimatum are highlighted, culminating in Britain's declaration of war on Germany. This marks the official beginning of World War I.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡World War One
💡Triple Alliance
💡Dual Entente
💡Entente Cordiale
💡Otto von Bismarck
💡Schlieffen Plan
💡Arms Race
💡Mobilization
💡Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
💡Balkan League
💡Imperialism
Highlights
World War One was the most destructive war at the time, involving millions of soldiers from dozens of countries.
The war introduced concepts like total war, daylight savings, and universal suffrage.
Europe in 1914 was dominated by France, Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russia, with Britain as a major power due to its Navy and colonial empire.
Germany was unified under Prussia's leadership after winning three wars, including one against France, resulting in the seizure of Alsace and Lorraine.
Otto von Bismarck established a network of alliances to prevent France from allying with powerful neighbors, thus isolating France.
Wilhelm II's reign saw the end of Germany's treaty with Russia, leading to a duet alliance between Russia and France against the Triple Alliance.
Britain's policy of 'splendid isolation' ended with the signing of the Entente Cordiale with France in 1904.
Germany's quest for colonial empires led to conflicts with other major powers, including a crisis over Morocco.
The naval race between Britain and Germany was part of a general arms race, with military spending increasing significantly.
Germany's Schlieffen Plan aimed to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia, involving an invasion through Belgium.
The Balkans, known as the 'powder keg' of Europe, were a focal point for tensions between Austria-Hungary, Serbia, and other empires.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist was the trigger for Austria-Hungary to go to war with Serbia.
Germany supported Austria-Hungary with a 'blank check', promising to back them in case of Russian intervention.
Austria-Hungary's harsh ultimatum to Serbia, which Serbia could not fully accept, led to Austria declaring war.
Russia's mobilization to support Serbia prompted Germany to mobilize as well, fearing a two-front war.
Germany's invasion of Belgium, a neutral country, led to Britain declaring war on Germany, marking the official start of World War One.
Transcripts
World War one was at the time the most
destructive war in all a mystery
involving millions of soldiers from
dozens of countries around the world it
was called the Great War because of its
enormous scope
it introduced the world to the concepts
of total war daylight savings and
universal suffrage how then did it begin
this is Europe today as you can see in
1914 it looked quite different
back then continental Europe was
dominated by France Germany and the
austro-hungarian Empire and Russia
Britain because of her large Navy and
colonial empire was also a major power
until the 1860s Germany had been little
more than a loose collection of states
between 1864 and 1871 the largest of
these states Prussia fought and won
three wars to bring the rest of Germany
under her control in the last of these
wars Prussia defeated France and seized
the French provinces of Alsace and
Lorraine the Chancellor of the newly
formed German nation Otto von Bismarck
knew that France would seek revenge for
the loss of alsace-lorraine if France
could ally itself with a powerful
neighbour such as Austria or Russia
Germany's very existence might come
under threat to stop this from happening
Bismarck established a network of
alliances with all the mainland powers
of Europe except France at the same time
he worked hard to maintain good
relations with Britain France was
isolated and therefore powerless
Vilhelm the second became Kaiser in 1888
and in 1890 he forced Bismarck to resign
days later he led Germany's treaty with
Russia lapse Russia and France were now
alone in Europe against an alliance of
Germany Austria and Italy they were
understandably nervous so in 1894 they
signed the duel on tante in which they
promised to fight side by side if either
was attacked by Germany they also agreed
to mobilize their forces if any of the
Triple Alliance forces mobilized there's
france's isolation had ended and five of
Europe's great powers were now split
into two rival camps the triple alliance
made up of Germany austria-hungary and
Italy and the duel on tante of Russia
and France a dispute between any two of
these powers had the potential to drop
in the other 3 for 40 years Britain had
tried to keep out of European affairs in
a policy called splendid isolation when
France and Russia Britain's two major
colonial rivals signed the duel on tante
Britain decided to patch up some of her
differences with her traditional enemy
France
in 1904 the ant ant cordial was signed
in it France agreed to British control
of Egypt while Britain agreed to French
control over Morocco it was not a
military alliance however the Germans
who had wanted to sign their own
alliance with Britain behaved as if it
was an anti-german agreement and trying
to break it up
in 1905 the German Kaiser paid a visit
to Morocco and declared the Morocco
should be independent of France Germany
hoped that in the ensuing crisis Britain
would refuse to back France and the
intent would collapse
at a conference to solve the crisis
Germany threatened war Britain and
France called Germany's bluff and the
intent was hardened
the conference also exposed a weakness
in the Triple Alliance when Italy
deserted Germany and backed France from
now on the Germans would argue that
Austria was their only true Ally
when vilhelm the second came to power in
1888 Britain Russia and France all had
large colonial empires he wanted Germany
to be a world power with a large empire
as well to have a place in the sun
with a large empire Germany would have
access to raw materials and new markets
as well as added respect and prestige
Germany's bid for colonial greatness was
doomed from the start she had started
too late in the race for colonies all
that was left were some less significant
tracts in Africa a few islands in the
Pacific and parts of China this quest
for an empire brought Germany into
conflict with the other major powers in
1911 French troops were sent to Morocco
to help the Sultan's government and at
the same time strengthen Frances
position they occupied the capital Fez
and the German government thought that
France would take over the entire
country
Germany responded by sending a gunboat
the Panther to Morocco with demands that
in exchange for allowing France a free
hand in Morocco Germany should be given
the whole of the french congo in central
Africa is compensation the British
government was alarmed they saw the
incident as a threat to the ant ant and
were angry at their exclusion from
negotiations Britain's fleet even
prepared for war Germany backed down
accepting two strips of territory in the
french congo far less than they
originally demanded for germany this was
a humiliating diplomatic defeat and
increased the perception within Germany
that she was being encircled by
unfriendly powers
the secretary of the german navy admiral
tirpitz used the crisis to pass a law to
enlarge the German Navy Britain followed
suit and strengthened her military ties
with France the anglo-french on tante
had become almost a military alliance
Oh
towards the end of the 19th century a
warped kind of Darwinism was applied to
nations and empires a commonly held view
at the time was that in the future
strong nations would flourish while weak
nations would be crushed a strong army
became a necessity and war was
considered by all the major powers as a
viable policy option in order to gain or
maintain superiority Britain needed a
large Navy to protect her colonies and
trade routes in 1893 she had adopted a
policy called the to power standard this
meant that the British fleet should be
equal to any two navies in the world put
together
if Germany wanted to have a large empire
she needed a large Navy so through a
series of new laws the Secretary of the
German Navy Tirpitz began to turn the
German Navy from a coastal protection
force into a battle fleet in 1906 the
British Navy launched the HMS
dreadnought a new type of battleship
that could outgun any battleship afloat
Germany started to build his own fleet
of dreadknots so Britain's spent up her
shipbuilding program
the naval race had begun
and
this naval build-up was part of a
general arms race between 1870 and 1914
military spending by the European powers
increased by a massive three hundred
percent and conscription was adopted by
all the continental powers from 1871 by
1914 more than 12 million men could be
called into action in the event of war
reading an army for war is a big
operation troops have to be organized
into fighting units and provided with
weapons clothing and rations then they
have to be transported to the frontline
as quickly as possible this process is
called mobilization
the faster a nation mobilized the
greater the chance of success in a
conflict the army that mobilized first
might even deliver a knockout blow to
the enemy before they were ready
Germany had the best railway network in
Europe and they plan to use it to move
large numbers of troops quickly in the
event of war Germany thought that war
with France would be inevitable France
wanted revenge for the loss of
alsace-lorraine
the franco-russian on tante meant that
in the event of war Russia would
probably support France the German chief
of staff can't find Schlieffen did not
think the Germany was strong enough to
fight both France and Russia at the same
time estimating that it would take six
weeks for Russia to mobilize she'll even
devised a plan where Germany would crush
France first then move to the Eastern
Front to take on Russia
to defeat France quickly Schlieffen Plan
to avoid the heavily fortified
french-german border by invading through
Belgium the German armies would then
turn in a massive hammer swing and
encircle Paris the plan however had
several major flaws first of all it
called for the invasion of two
neighboring countries Belgium and
Luxembourg as well as France once the
order to mobilize was issued war would
inevitably follow secondly the plan
could not be changed the railways were
too inflexible in order to move 2
million men to the front quickly
thousands of trains had to be
synchronized to change the plan meant
revising the train timetables which
would take at least six months thirdly
by invading Belgium Germany risk
bringing Britain into the war Britain
had earlier signed a treaty guaranteeing
Belgium's independence
finally there was no plan for a war with
Russia only in the event of a war
between Germany and Russia Germany had
to invade France
within the austro-hungarian Empire there
were Czechs Slovaks poles ruthenians
Serbs Croats slovenes and Italians less
than fifty percent of her 50 million
people were Austrian or Hungarian of the
ethnic groups the Slavs were the most
Restless they wanted to join up with
Serbia to form a united Slavic kingdom
thus Austria viewed Serbia as a threat
located at the junction of Europe and
Asia the Balkans were known as the
powder keg of Europe three empires
turkey Russia and Austria Hungary all
had interests in the area combined with
the insurgent nationalism of the Slavs
it seemed that one minor incident could
lead to war
turkey had once ruled over all of the
Balkans but as its Empire weakened the
Serbs Greeks and Bulger's had
established their own nations Russia was
also interested in the Balkans she
wanted an outlet to the Mediterranean
she sided with the Slavs on the basis of
their common Orthodox religion and was
allied with Serbia in 1908 Austria
annexed the provinces of Bosnia and
Herzegovina further fueling Slav
nationalism in the process in 1912
Serbia Greece Bulgaria and montenegro
formed an alliance called the Balkan
League the league uses combined strength
to attack turkey and in seven weeks
drover almost completely out of europe
austria washed on is serbia almost
doubled in size
relationships between Austria Hungary
and Serbia deteriorated rapidly after
the Balkan wars the kings of Serbia and
Montenegro considered uniting to form a
Yugoslavia the Serbian press called for
a united Slavic nation that would
liberate the slobs living under Austrian
rule
Austrian generals called for a quick war
to crush Serbia
in june nineteen fourteen the Austrians
decided to reassert their authority in
the Balkans by conducting army maneuvers
in Bosnia an area that was showing too
great a fondness for Serbia to add
impact to this display of force the
inspector general of the forces and heir
to the Austrian throne Archduke Franz
Ferdinand would attend
he and his wife were assassinated in
sarajevo bosnia is capital by a Serbian
terrorists Gavrilo Princip
pinch it belonged to a Serbian secret
society called the black hand Serbia's
chief of army intelligence was its
leader the Austrians now had an excuse
to go to war with Serbia first of all
however they needed to be sure the
Germany would come to their aid if
russia-backed Serbia Germany did not
want to lose her only Ally so on the
fifth of July the Kaiser and the German
Chancellor beth van hove egg gave
Austria a blank check they agreed to
support Austria if Russia intervened on
the twenty fourth of July almost one
month after the assassination Austria
delivered to Serbia and extremely harsh
ultimatum the Serbs had 48 hours to
reply the Serbs accepted all of the
demands except one which called for an
Austrian led inquiry into serbian
participation in the assassination this
was not good enough for Austria the
british prime minister sir edward grey
called for a conference between the
great powers to settle the dispute but
germany refused to take part on the
twentieth of july Austria declared war
on Serbia the next day Shell's bombarded
the Serbian capital belgrave
Russia now moved to support her allies
Serbia on the thirtieth of July the Czar
ordered Russia's army to mobilize along
her entire border
the german government was alarmed the
schlieffen plan based on the theory that
would take Russia six weeks to mobilize
meant that Germany had to counter with
immediate mobilization time was of the
essence if Germany hoped to avoid a war
on two fronts so on the thirty-first of
July Germany issued an ultimatum to
Russia giving them 12 hours to
demobilize
Germany also issued an ultimatum to
France giving them 18 hours to declare
the neutrality in the event of a war
between Germany and Russia on the first
of August when the ultimatum to Russia
expired germany declared war and began
to mobilize the wheels of the schlieffen
plan were set in motion
trance rejected germany's ultimatum and
commenced mobilisation the next day
germany invaded luxembourg and fired off
an ultimatum to belgium demanding the
right to send troops through the country
to attack France any breach of Belgium's
neutrality was likely to draw Britain
into the war Britain was a signatory of
the 1839 treaty of london which
guaranteed belgian independence also
britain was unlikely to allow germany to
dominate continental europe on the third
of August Belgium rejected Germany's
ultimatum in Germany invaded the next
day Britain sent her own ultimatum to
Germany if Germany did not call off her
invasion of Belgium within five hours
she would sever all diplomatic relations
when the ultimatum expired at midnight
Britain declared war on Germany the
First World War had begun
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