How did WW1 Start? | Causes of the First World War

Summary

In the summer of 1914, Europe teetered on the brink of war, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand acting as a catalyst amidst rising tensions. Britain, preoccupied with internal strife and global empire, initially saw little reason to intervene. However, the threat of German dominance and a direct challenge to British interests through Germany's invasion of Belgium ultimately pushed Britain into the fray, escalating a local conflict into a world war that would reshape Europe and the global stage.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The summer of 1914 saw Europe in crisis, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand leading to a rapid mobilization of armies and the onset of World War I.
• 🇬🇧 Britain, preoccupied with internal affairs and ruling a vast empire, was initially skeptical about the outbreak of a continental war.
• 🛳️ The British Empire's wealth and global influence were heavily reliant on its naval dominance, which was threatened by Germany's emerging naval power.
• 🗳️ Domestic issues in Britain, including wealth inequality and the contentious Home Rule for Ireland, made the country volatile and distracted from European tensions.
• 🇩🇪 Germany's rise as a unified and ambitious power post-Franco-Prussian War led to an arms race, particularly in naval strength, challenging Britain's supremacy.
• 🔄 The European balance of power was disturbed by Germany's ambitions, leading to the formation of opposing alliances and heightened tensions.
• 🇪🇺 The Balkans were a hotspot of unrest, with Serbia's growth post-wars increasing tensions with Austria-Hungary, culminating in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• 🇦🇹 Austria-Hungary's decision to punish Serbia for the assassination, supported by Germany, ignited a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war across Europe.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Italy's non-participation in the war at the onset was due to its defensive pact alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
• 🇧🇷 Britain's entry into the war was precipitated by Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium, a country Britain had pledged to protect.
• 🌐 The First World War was a total war that reshaped Europe and the world, leading to the collapse of empires, the rise of the USA, and laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

Q & A

What was the situation in Europe during the summer of 1914?

Europe was in crisis, with the continent's largest armies mobilizing against each other, and new nations joining the conflict weekly, leading to a march to war.

Why was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand significant?

The assassination was a catalyst for World War I, as it led to a series of events that escalated tensions and ultimately resulted in Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.

What was Britain's primary focus prior to the outbreak of World War I?

Britain was primarily occupied with its own internal affairs, such as the issue of Home Rule for Ireland and the vast inequality of wealth within the country.

How did Britain's naval dominance play a role in the lead-up to World War I?

Britain's naval dominance was threatened by Germany's determination to build a rival fleet of warships, leading to an arms race and heightened tensions between the two nations.

What was the impact of Germany's industrial and military growth on Britain?

Germany's growth in industrial output and military strength, particularly the building of a rival navy, challenged Britain's sense of supremacy and led to an arms race.

How did the Balkans contribute to the outbreak of World War I?

The Balkans had been a hotbed of unrest, with two wars in the preceding three years, which increased tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, culminating in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

What was the role of alliances in the escalation of World War I?

Alliances played a crucial role, as countries came to the support of their allies when war was declared, drawing in more nations and escalating the conflict into a world war.

Why did Italy not join the war immediately when it broke out?

Italy's alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary was a defensive pact, and Italy did not feel obligated to join the war offensively when it initially broke out.

What was the tipping point for Britain's involvement in World War I?

The tipping point for Britain was Germany's war plan to attack through neutral Belgium, a country Britain had sworn to protect, leading to Britain issuing an ultimatum and eventually declaring war on Germany.

How did the First World War redefine the shape of Europe and the world?

The war resulted in the breaking of the empires of Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary, forced the USA onto the world stage, and laid the seeds for future conflicts, ultimately defining the shape of Europe and the world in the 20th century.

Why were most participants of the First World War unprepared for the length and impact of the war?

Most participants expected the war to be over by Christmas, but the reality was very different due to the scale of the conflict, the introduction of modern weaponry, and the fact that it became a total war involving millions of soldiers.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Prelude to War: Europe's Tensions and Britain's Dilemma

The summer of 1914 marked a critical point in European history as tensions escalated into a crisis, leading to the brink of war. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian-backed terrorist in Sarajevo acted as a catalyst. Despite the looming threat, Britain, preoccupied with internal issues such as the struggle for Home Rule in Ireland and vast wealth inequality, was initially skeptical of a continental war. The British Empire, with its vast global reach and naval dominance, faced challenges from an ambitious Germany, which sought to rival Britain's industrial and military power, particularly through the development of a formidable navy. This led to an arms race and a shift in alliances, creating two opposing camps in Europe, with Germany and Austria-Hungary on one side and France and Russia on the other, Britain cautiously aligning with the latter without formal alliance.

05:04

🔍 The Domino Effect: Triggering the Great War

The Balkans, a region already fraught with unrest, saw the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand escalate into a full-blown international crisis. Austria-Hungary, feeling threatened and encouraged by Germany, issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which, when unmet, led to a declaration of war. This act ignited a chain reaction, drawing in Russia, Germany, and France as allies and supporters of their respective nations. The situation became even more complex when Germany, aiming for a swift victory over France, violated the neutrality of Belgium, a move that Britain could not ignore. The British Empire's commitment to protect Belgium, coupled with the fear of German dominance in Europe, led to Britain's reluctant entry into the war. The First World War, initially perceived as a localized conflict, rapidly evolved into a global conflagration, reshaping Europe and the world for decades to come. The war's causes were multifaceted and continue to be debated, but it ultimately led to the collapse of empires and set the stage for future conflicts.

Keywords

💡Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His assassination in Sarajevo by a Serbian-backed terrorist was a pivotal event that escalated tensions, leading to the outbreak of World War I. The script mentions this event as the catalyst for the war, illustrating how a local conflict could have global repercussions.

💡Austro-Hungarian Empire

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the major powers in Europe at the time. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it declared war on Serbia, which was supported by Russia, thus sparking the chain of events that led to World War I. The empire's actions are central to understanding the domino effect that began the war.

💡Serbian-backed terrorist

The term 'Serbian-backed terrorist' refers to the individual responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was supported by Serbian nationalists. This assassination is a key event in the script, highlighting how a single act of terrorism can trigger a larger conflict.

💡World War I

World War I, also known as the First World War, was a global war that involved many of the world's major powers. The script discusses how a local conflict in southeast Europe escalated into a world war, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and the consequences of their actions.

💡Imperial War Museums

The Imperial War Museums is an institution that focuses on the history of warfare. The script mentions subscribing to their YouTube channel for more content, indicating the source of the video and its focus on historical military events.

💡Dreadnought battleships

Dreadnought battleships were powerful warships of their time, comparable to nuclear weapons in terms of their strategic importance. The script describes an arms race between Britain and Germany, leading to the production of these ships, which were a significant factor in the naval rivalry and the eventual war.

💡Home Rule for Ireland

Home Rule for Ireland refers to the political movement and legislative effort to grant Ireland self-government within the United Kingdom. The script discusses this as a divisive issue in Britain, which adds to the complexity of the domestic situation at the time and the broader context of political unrest.

💡British Empire

The British Empire was a vast colonial empire with significant global influence. The script describes its wealth and power, as well as the internal and external challenges it faced, such as demands for greater freedom from its overseas subjects and the naval rivalry with Germany.

💡Alliance system

The alliance system refers to the network of agreements between different nations to provide military support in times of conflict. The script explains how this system, involving Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Russia, and Britain, contributed to the escalation of the war.

💡Neutral Belgium

Neutral Belgium was a country that maintained a position of non-involvement in the war initially. However, the script describes how Germany's plan to attack through Belgium to quickly defeat France led to Britain's involvement in the war, as Britain had pledged to protect Belgium's neutrality.

💡Total war

Total war is a term used to describe a war effort in which all of a nation's resources are mobilized for the war. The script concludes by discussing how World War I became a total war, involving millions of soldiers and advanced weaponry, and its long-lasting impact on the shape of Europe and the world.

Highlights

Europe was in crisis by summer 1914 with large armies mobilizing against each other and new nations joining the fight weekly.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in Sarajevo by a Serbian-backed terrorist was a key event leading to WWI.

Britain was primarily focused on internal affairs and had not fought a war on the continent since Waterloo 99 years prior.

Britain ruled a vast global empire with 1 in 4 people on Earth owing allegiance to the British crown.

The British Empire's lifeblood was the sea, with the Royal Navy policing the waves for merchant ships to trade globally.

There was significant inequality in Britain, with only 2/3 of men having the right to vote and no women having voting rights.

Home Rule for Ireland was a highly divisive issue, with rival militias arming themselves on either side of the debate.

Germany emerged as a powerful nation with ambitions for an empire, initially admired by Britain.

Germany's naval expansion threatened Britain's naval dominance, leading to an arms race and production of Dreadnought battleships.

By 1907, Europe was split into two opposing camps: Germany-Austria-Hungary-Italy vs France-Russia-Britain.

The Balkans were a hotbed of unrest with two wars in three years, increasing tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after the assassination, escalating tensions and drawing in allies on both sides.

Britain was initially hesitant about entering the war, fearing German domination of Europe.

Germany's war plans, including attacking through neutral Belgium, pushed Britain to issue an ultimatum and eventually declare war.

The First World War became a total war with mass casualties, breaking the empires of Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.

WWI forced the USA onto the world stage and laid the seeds for future conflicts in the Middle East, shaping Europe and the world in the 20th century.

Transcripts

By the summer of 1914, Europe was in a crisis.  Just weeks before Archduke Franz Ferdinand,  

heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, had been  assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian-backed  

terrorist. Now just a few weeks later, the  continent's largest armies were mobilizing  

against each other with new nations joining the  fight seemingly every week. The world watched  

with bated breath as Europe marched to war. So  what happened? How did a seemingly irrelevant  

local conflict in southeast Europe become a World  War? And why did Britain decide to get involved?

Well before we answer those questions  a reminder to subscribe to the Imperial  

War Museums Youtube channel for more  videos just like this every two weeks.

When people ask how the First World War began  

it's often couched in terms of a domino effect,  a series of events that were almost preordained,  

but what I would say is that if anyone  had suggested in June 1914 in Britain  

that World War might be about to break out  and they would be met with disbelief really.

Britain hadn't fought a war on the continent  since the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo,  

99 years previously. Rather than a war in Europe,  

Britain was primarily occupied  with its own internal affairs.

As the 20th century dawned Britain is  one of the greatest powers on earth,  

it rules over this vast global empire.  I mean it's so big that every fourth  

person on earth owes its  allegiance to the British crown.

The Briton was the world's merchant sailor,  

his flag encircled the globe sixty percent  of the vessels on any ocean were his.

The lifeblood of the British Empire was the sea.  

The Royal Navy policed the waves so that its  merchant ships could trade across the globe.  

This brought the British Empire vast wealth, but  not all of its citizens were able to share in it.  

Many overseas subjects were demanding  greater freedom from the empire  

to control their own affairs, while at home  domestic issues threatened to boil over.

There's this huge inequality of wealth that  underpins British life at the turn of the  

20th century. Only two-thirds of men have got  the right to vote, absolutely no woman has  

the right to vote. So I'd say by the time you  get to 1914 this is quite a volatile country.

The most divisive issue, however,  was that of Home Rule for Ireland.  

Some people in Ireland wanted to be ruled from  Dublin rather than Westminster, while others were  

bitterly opposed to this, including some vocal  British politicians and a sizable contingent in  

the north of Ireland who considered themselves  to be British. As the Home Rule Bill made its  

way through parliament, rival militias began  to arm themselves on either side of the issue.

There is a very real threat that this is going  to spill over into violence in the summer of 1914  

and so to suggest to people in Britain that  the conflict that's about to occur will come  

from Europe rather than from Ireland most people  would have been very very shocked to hear that.

But while domestic tensions were rising in  Britain, new tensions were coming to the  

fore in Europe. Germany was the new kid on the  block with big ambitions. After defeating France  

in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, the most  powerful German state Prussia allied with smaller  

Germanic states to create a united Germany, but  this new nation wanted an empire of its own.

Britain really initially admired this new nation,  Britain really actually thought as a friend  

but imperial Germany soon began to  threaten Britain's sense of supremacy.  

Its determination to up its industrial output,  

up its military strength, and most crucially  for Britain build a rival fleet of warships.

German ships manoeuvre in the  cold waters of the north sea.

This new German navy was a threat  to Britain's naval dominance,  

the glue that held the empire together, and  something for which Britain could not stand.  

That rivalry then turned into an arms race  as each nation tried to outproduce the other  

with ever greater feats of technology.  This culminated in the production of  

Dreadnought battleships which were seen  as the nuclear weapons of their day.

That factor means Britain's now  started to see Germany as a threat,  

by the time you get to say 1907 Europe's  really split into two opposing camps.

Germany had disturbed the delicate  balance of power in Europe. France,  

fearing this new empire on their doorstep, allied  with Russia in the east. An unlikely friendship  

for two of Europe's most ideologically opposed  nations. That then left Germany feeling surrounded  

and pushed them to form an alliance with  the Austro-Hungarian Empire and to a lesser  

extent Italy. Finally, Britain and its empire,  afraid of German domination on the continent,  

drifted closer to France and Russia, though  without going as far as forming an alliance.

You've got Germany Austria-Hungary and  Italy and you've got France Russia and  

to some extent Britain. There's still no  immediate reason for war between the two,  

it would take a crisis to turn  tensions into an armed conflict.

And that crisis came in the summer of  1914. The Balkans in Southeast Europe  

had been a hotbed of unrest for some time,  with two wars in the preceding three years.  

Those wars had made Austria-Hungary's neighbour  Serbia much larger, prompting tensions between the  

two nations to rise even further. When Archduke  Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in June by a  

Serbian-backed terrorist, Austria-Hungary felt  it had no choice but to assert its dominance.

Austria-Hungary sets out to punish Serbia it  wants to quash support for Serbian nationalism.  

It's encouraged by its ally Germany. So  after Serbia failed to meet the terms of  

a very draconian ultimatum Austria-Hungary  declares war on Serbia and this act of war  

this stirs up these old tensions and anxieties  

right across the continent because it draws  in supporters and allies on both sides.

When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Russia  came in to back the Serbs in defence of a fellow  

Slavic nation. When Germany, in support of its  ally, then declared war on Russia that brought  

France into the war on Russia's side. Italy  however did not join the war, as its alliance  

with Germany and Austria-Hungary was a defensive  pact. In a matter of weeks then Europe's largest  

powers were primed for war, but Britain was still  in two minds over whether it should be involved.

It agonized over whether to support  Russia and France. I think at the heart  

of Britain's anxieties it came down really to  Britain fearing German domination of Europe  

because if a victorious but hostile  Germany dominated the continent and  

threatened Britain's position in the world  that was just intolerable for Britain.

The tipping point came thanks  to Germany's war plans.  

Hoping to defeat France quickly before  Russia had a chance to mobilize her forces,  

Germany attempted to skirt around the  French defences in Alsace-Lorraine  

by attacking through neutral Belgium,  a country Britain had sworn to protect.

On the 4th of August Britain issues an ultimatum  to Germany which is ignored, which ends in Britain  

declaring war on Germany and by Britain declaring  war on Germany that also means its global  

empire is at war and you have a conflict set  up that becomes very rapidly a world war.

The causes of the First World War are complex,  they're still debated to this day. The nations  

didn't realize it at the time, but their attempts  to defend what they perceived as their own  

national interests created a war that would shape  Europe for decades to come. Most participants  

expected the war to be over by Christmas, but  as we know the reality was very different.

The First World War became  what we would call a total war.  

These nations pitted against each other, millions  of men fighting on land, on the sea, in the air,  

modern weaponry causing mass casualties and  ultimately the war broke the empires of Germany,  

of Russia, Austria-Hungary, it forced the USA onto  the world stage and the war also laid the seeds  

for future conflict in places like the Middle  East. So it ultimately defined the shape of Europe  

and the world in the 20th century  and this is how it all began.