The Outbreak of WWI - From Local Conflict to World War in 1914 I THE GREAT WAR Week 1

Summary

Indy Neidell introduces The Great War channel, which will chronologically follow the events of World War I week by week, 100 years after they happened. The series will cover significant moments, from active battles to quieter weeks, highlighting key forces and events leading up to the war, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The video explores Germany and Austria-Hungary's motivations, tensions with Serbia and Russia, and Kaiser Wilhelm’s role. Despite diplomatic efforts, Austria declares war on Serbia, setting the stage for World War I. Viewers can subscribe for weekly updates in multiple languages.

Takeaways

• 📅 The channel 'The Great War' covers the First World War week by week, starting from the present date until November 2018, to provide a real-time perspective on historical events.
• 🔍 The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a pivotal moment leading to the war, and the channel has a special episode dedicated to it.
• 🇩🇪 Kaiser Wilhelm II's 'blank check' to Austria-Hungary is often cited as a primary cause for Germany's responsibility in the war, but the situation was more complex.
• 👑 Army Chief of Staff Conrad von Hötzendorf was a strong advocate for war and saw the assassination as an opportunity to curb Serbian power.
• 🚫 Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was against war, was a counterweight to Conrad's warmongering, but his assassination removed this opposition.
• 🇷🇺 Russia's growing economy and military capabilities, especially its improving railways, were a significant concern for Germany, fearing a future confrontation.
• 📜 Germany's Chancellor von Bethmann Hollweg and the generals believed war was necessary before Russia became too powerful.
• 🤔 Despite the Kaiser's support for Austria, he did not anticipate an actual war and was on vacation when the crisis escalated.
• 🇦🇹 Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia with demands designed to be rejected, indicating a predetermined decision for war.
• 🏰 Serbia's response to the ultimatum was largely compliant, but asking for the judicial process demand to be submitted to The Hague was unacceptable to Austria.
• 🌍 The international community, except Austria, viewed Serbia's response as satisfactory, but Austria was set on war, rejecting both Russian and British attempts at negotiation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the channel 'The Great War'?

The channel 'The Great War' focuses on covering the First World War week by week, as it unfolded 100 years later, providing a detailed account of the events.

What significant event happened on July 28th, 1914, as mentioned in the script?

On July 28th, 1914, the Empire of Austria-Hungary declared war on the Kingdom of Serbia, which was a pivotal moment leading to the First World War.

What does the term 'blank check' refer to in the context of the First World War?

The term 'blank check' refers to Kaiser Wilhelm's statement on July 5th, 1914, promising unconditional support to Austria in any actions against Serbia, which is often cited as a key reason for Germany's responsibility for the war.

Who was Conrad von Hötzendorf and what was his stance on war?

Conrad von Hötzendorf was the Army Chief of Staff of Austria, a vehement imperialist who advocated for Austrian greatness and repeatedly asked his government to go to war.

Why was Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination significant in leading to the war?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was significant because he was the main counterweight to Conrad von Hötzendorf's war advocacy. His death removed the voice of restraint within the Austrian government.

What was Germany's view on Russia's economic and military growth in 1914?

Germany viewed Russia's economic growth and military expansion, particularly its improving railways, as a significant threat, fearing that once Russia's infrastructure matched Germany's, it would be too late for Germany to engage in a war.

What was the content of the ultimatum issued by Austria-Hungary to Serbia?

The ultimatum issued by Austria-Hungary to Serbia had 15 demands, including the condemnation of anti-Austrian propaganda and the participation of Austrian officials in the judicial process within Serbia.

How did Serbia respond to the Austrian ultimatum?

Serbia agreed to almost all of Austria's demands, including punishing anti-Austrian propagandists and suppressing subversive movements, but asked for the demand of Austrian participation in the judicial process to be submitted to a tribunal in The Hague.

What was Kaiser Wilhelm's reaction to the Austrian ultimatum and Serbia's response?

Kaiser Wilhelm, after reading the full text of the Austrian ultimatum and Serbia's response, saw no reason for Austria to declare war, considering it a 'great moral victory for Vienna' with 'every reason for war removed'.

Why did Austria-Hungary decide to go to war despite Serbia's response to the ultimatum?

Austria-Hungary was determined to go to war regardless of Serbia's response, as they saw the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as an opportunity to curb Serbian power and ambition.

What was the impact of the declaration of war on Serbia by Austria-Hungary?

The declaration of war on Serbia by Austria-Hungary marked the beginning of the First World War and ultimately led to the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Introduction to The Great War Series

Indy Neidell introduces the YouTube channel 'The Great War,' which will chronologically cover the events of World War I week by week from 1914 to 2018. He explains that the series will highlight the significant moments of the war, including special episodes on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and other critical events leading to the conflict. The journey starts on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, eventually leading to the First World War.

05:00

📝 Germany's 'Blank Check' and the Complex Causes of WWI

The term 'blank check' refers to Kaiser Wilhelm's promise of unconditional support to Austria on July 5, 1914. Although often cited as the main cause of Germany's involvement in the war, this explanation is considered oversimplified. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, Austria saw this as an opportunity to curb Serbian influence, pushed primarily by Army Chief of Staff Conrad von Hötzendorf, a staunch imperialist. Conrad's aggressive stance was repeatedly opposed by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who had been a voice of restraint before his death.

⚔️ Austria’s Motivations and the Role of Russia

Indy explains how Austria, particularly through Conrad von Hötzendorf, viewed the assassination as a catalyst for reducing Serbian power. Germany, under the Kaiser, supported Austria but did not believe a large-scale war was inevitable. There was significant fear among German leaders about Russia's growing economic and military power, as Russia’s modernization, especially in railroads and the economy, was progressing rapidly by 1914. Germany’s concern was that Russia would soon become too powerful to contain, making a war in 1914 more favorable than waiting until 1917.

🚄 Russia’s Growing Strength and Germany's Urgency

Contrary to the perception of pre-war Russia as backward, it had become the fourth-largest global economy by 1914. Russia’s modernization, particularly in railroads, threatened to give it a significant military advantage over Germany. Fearing this, German leaders felt a war had to happen before Russia became too formidable. German Chancellor von Bethman Hollweg’s July 7th diary entries reflect the view that war needed to occur soon, or Germany would lose any hope of prevailing against Russia’s rising power. This view was shared by military leaders but not by the German public, who largely opposed the war.

✍️ Austria-Hungary’s Ultimatum to Serbia

On July 13, 1914, Austria-Hungary received a secret report confirming that Serbia's government had no involvement in the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. Despite this, Austria pushed forward with an ultimatum to Serbia on July 19, with demands that were nearly impossible to accept, including allowing Austrian officials to participate in Serbian legal proceedings. This ultimatum was designed to provoke a rejection and justify a war with Serbia. When Serbia responded on July 25th, agreeing to most demands except for foreign involvement in its judiciary, Austria remained determined to proceed with war.

⚖️ Serbia’s Response and Austria’s Determination for War

Serbia’s response to the ultimatum on July 25th was largely conciliatory, but Austria refused to consider it acceptable. Even though most of the international community, including Russia and Britain, saw Serbia's response as reasonable, Austria, supported by Germany, was determined to go to war. Diplomatic efforts from Russia and Britain to negotiate and de-escalate tensions were ignored. Despite the Kaiser’s later realization that Serbia’s response removed the justification for war, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, starting the conflict that would soon escalate into World War I.

🔔 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Follow the Series

Indy concludes by inviting viewers to follow the weekly episodes of 'The Great War' series, available in English, German, and Polish. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the buildup to World War I and encourages viewers to leave comments, ideas, and suggestions. The final note is a reminder that the war declaration marked the beginning of the end for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Keywords

💡First World War

The First World War, also known as World War I, was a global war that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's major powers, organized into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. The war resulted in significant changes to the map of Europe and led to the decline of several major empires. In the script, the channel's focus is on covering the events of the First World War week by week, as they unfolded 100 years prior.

💡Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir presumptive to the throne of Austria-Hungary. His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, is widely considered the immediate trigger of World War I. The script discusses how his death set off a chain of events that led to the war.

💡Austria-Hungary

Austria-Hungary was a dual monarchy in Central Europe existing from 1867 to 1918. It was a major participant in World War I as part of the Central Powers. The script mentions Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, which was a pivotal moment leading to the outbreak of the war.

💡Serbia

Serbia was a sovereign state in the Balkans during the period before World War I. It is significant in the context of the war as the target of Austria-Hungary's declaration of war following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The script discusses the ultimatum given to Serbia by Austria-Hungary and Serbia's response.

💡Kaiser Wilhelm II

Kaiser Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918. His support for Austria-Hungary, as mentioned in the script, is considered a contributing factor to the start of World War I. His 'blank check' to Austria-Hungary is often cited as evidence of Germany's responsibility for the war.

💡Conrad von Hötzendorf

Conrad von Hötzendorf was an Austro-Hungarian field marshal and Chief of the General Staff from 1912 to 1917. He was a proponent of war and sought military expansion for Austria-Hungary. The script highlights his role in advocating for war against Serbia and his influence on the decision to go to war.

💡Russian Railways

The development of the Russian railway system is mentioned in the script as a factor in the strategic calculations of Germany before the war. The improvement of Russia's railways would have allowed for a more rapid mobilization of troops, which was a concern for Germany and contributed to their sense of urgency to go to war.

💡Ultimatum

An ultimatum is a final demand or proposal made by one party to another, with the threat of some form of action if the demand is not met. In the script, Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia is discussed, which contained demands that were designed to be rejected, leading to the declaration of war.

💡The Hague

The Hague refers to the Peace Palace in the Netherlands, which is the seat of the International Court of Justice. In the script, Serbia suggests that the demand for Austrian officials to participate in the judicial process within Serbia should be submitted to the tribunal in The Hague, indicating a desire for international arbitration.

💡Blank Check

The term 'blank check' is used metaphorically in the script to describe Kaiser Wilhelm II's unconditional support for Austria-Hungary's actions against Serbia. This support is often cited as a key factor in Austria-Hungary's decision to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, which ultimately led to war.

💡Declaration of War

A declaration of war is a formal announcement by a state of its intent to engage in armed conflict with another state. In the script, the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia is highlighted as the event that marked the beginning of World War I.

Highlights

The Great War channel covers the first world war week by week, as it unfolded 100 years later.

The channel includes special episodes about the prelude to war and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28th, 1914, which snowballed into the First World War.

Kaiser Wilhelm's 'blank check' to Austria is often cited as Germany's responsibility for the war, but the situation is more complex.

Anti-Serbian riots followed the assassination, but European reactions were initially mild.

Austrian Army Chief of Staff Conrad von Hötzendorf was a fervent imperialist and pushed for war frequently.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a counterweight to Conrad's warmongering, but he was assassinated.

The assassination was seen as an opportunity by Conrad to curb Serbian power.

Germany's high command feared Russia's growing economy and military capabilities.

German Chancellor von Bethmann Hollweg saw Russia as a nightmare and believed war was inevitable.

The German public, including a large socialist population, was largely anti-war.

Kaiser Wilhelm initially did not believe war was imminent despite supporting Austria.

Austro-Hungarian cabinet aimed to reduce Serbia's size and make it dependent on Austria.

A secret report from Sarajevo found no evidence of Serbian government involvement in the assassination.

Austrian ultimatum to Serbia was designed to be rejected, with harsh demands including Austrian participation in Serbia's judicial process.

Serbia's response to the ultimatum was seen as satisfactory by all except Austria.

Austria was determined to go to war, rejecting both Russian and British attempts at negotiation.

Kaiser Wilhelm, after reading the ultimatum and Serbia's response, believed there was no reason for war.

Despite the Kaiser's view, Austria declared war on Serbia, confident of German support.

The declaration of war turned out to be the death warrant of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The show is also available in German and Polish for non-English speakers.

The channel encourages comments, ideas, and suggestions from viewers.

Transcripts

My name is Indy Neidell and this channel – The Great War – is going to cover the first world war,

week by week, as it unfolded 100 years later. From today until November 2018,

so you can really get a sense of just what happened as it happened. The active weeks, the passive weeks,

the weeks of carnage and the weeks of hope – we'll follow them all one by one.

And we've made a couple of special episodes about the prelude to war so you can get some

idea of all of the forces in motion. We've also made an episode about the assassination

of the archduke and his wife as it was one of the pivotal

moments in our history. All three of these episodes will come out in the next few days.

100 years ago today, on July 28th, 1914, the empire of Austria-Hungary declared

war on the Kingdom of Serbia. Now, as you are probably aware, this snowballed within days into the

First World War.

Now people often talk of the “blank check” – when Kaiser Wilhelm said on July 5th, 1914

that he would unconditionally support Austria in whatever actions she took against Serbia,

and this is seen as the main argument for Germany’s responsibility for the war, but

this is a little too simple.

In the days following the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo

by the Serb Gavrilo Princip, there were anti-Serbian riots and demonstrations in much of Bosnia

and official dispatches to Vienna that there was Serbian complicity in the plot, but general

European reactions to the killings were quite mild. Austria, however, had big ideas, many

of them coming from Army Chief of Staff Conrad von Hötzendorf. And I love that name.

Conrad was a vehement imperialist for Austria and Austrian greatness. He’s also

been described as being “the most dangerous kind of officer...both stupid and intensely energetic."

There you have it.

In fact, in the year and a half before today, 1914, he asked his government

to go to war no less than 26 times. And it’s very important to note here that his main

counterweight, the man who repeatedly urged emperor Franz Josef against war with Russia

or war with Serbia, not to listen to Conrad, was Archduke Franz Ferdinand, now deceased.

The assassination was, to Conrad, a heaven sent means to curb Serbian power and ambition.

Now to understand the next few weeks we really need to look a bit at both Germany and Russia

In 1912, the Kaiser had told army chief of staff von Moltke and Grand Admiral

von Tirpitz that “Austria had to act vigorously against the foreign Slavs... If Russia were

to support the Serbs war would be inevitable for us.”

Although we think of pre-war Russia today as a backwater,

this was not really the case. Russia had become the world’s fourth largest economy by 1914.

Okay! Shortage of money had always meant before that she had never been able to build and

equip her army like the Germans could, but more importantly, her railways. By 1914, though,

Russian currency was on the gold standard and the railroads were booming and Russia

would be able to easily and quickly defend her borders in only a few years.

Now this was a big fear in the German high command – since Russia obviously had the manpower advantage,

once her railways were a match for Germany, well... German Chancellor von Bethman Hollweg’s

diary from July 7th tells us these thoughts: that Russia had become a nightmare, and that

the German generals say there must be a war before it was too late. By 1917, Germany

has no hope, so better 1914.

As an aside here – this was the opinion of the generals and some government

leaders but it was not the opinion of the German people at large.

You see Germany had the largest population of socialists in Europe and they and others comprised

a big anti-war segment of society.

So the Kaiser wrote on June 30, “the Serbs must

be disposed of, and right soon!” and he did pledge German support for Austria, and

he did tell the Austrian ambassador on July 5th that should war between Austria-Hungary

and Russia prove unavoidable, Germany would be at Austria’s side. HOWEVER, and this

is really important, he also told his chancellor that he did not think there was a real prospect

of war – that Russia was not close to being ready.

The next day, he went on his annual three-week vacation cruise to Norway, which is kind of

not what you’d do if you were basically the most powerful man in the world and you

were about to go to a major war, so in spite of it all, a world war was not on the Kaiser's mind.

So on July 7th, the Austro-Hungarian cabinet met to discuss Serbia, and they were

for a war to reduce Serbia’s size and make her dependent on Austria.

On July 13th, a secret report reached Vienna from Sarajevo that there was zero evidence

the Serbian government had anything to do with the assassination. Now, this didn’t really

change anything, but THIS did:

Franz Josef finally became convinced that Austria could take action against Serbia

without other powers interfering, so he agreed to issue an ultimatum. The terms of the ultimatum

were finalized on July 19th. It had a total of 15 demands and it linked the Belgrade government

with the assassination, even without evidence.

Now, you can look up the demands yourself, but here are a couple that really stick out:

the Serbian government must condemn anti-Austrian propaganda and punish anyone who made or distributed it,

and the big one – Austrian officials would participate in the judicial process.

In Serbia. Yep, they would be in charge of justice in another country.

Now, as you may guess, this ultimatum was designed to be rejected. It was sent on July

23rd, with 48 hours for Serbia to agree to it. 6 PM on

July 25th, Serbia answered the ultimatum. She agreed that anti-Austrian propagandists

would be punished and subversive movement suppressed, and actually agreed to almost

everything else, but as to Austria participating in the judicial process within Serbia, Serbia

simply asked that this demand be submitted to the tribunal in The Hague.

Now, everybody except Austria thought this response was just fine, but Austria was determined

to go to war. Actually, Russia suggested two days later that negotiations between

her and Vienna should be opened to try and sort things out. This was refused. A British attempt that same

day to talk Germany into having a four-power conference to also try to sort things out

was rejected as well.

And you know what? Here’s something that happened then that remained secret until after the war:

on July 28th, 100 years ago today, Kaiser Wilhelm finally read the full

text of the Austrian ultimatum and Serbia’s response. And he could see no reason at all

for Austria to declare war. Yep. After all this that had happened, The Kaiser wrote:

“a great moral victory for Vienna, but with it every reason for war is removed...”

And just about an hour after the Kaiser scribbled that in the margins, Emperor Franz Josef signed

a declaration of war on Serbia, confident of German support. And that declaration would

turn out to be the death warrant of his own empire.

We’ll see you next week. Click subscribe to get each and every episode as it comes

out, and if you like the show but English isn’t your best language, once again, this

show is also available in German and Polish – you can find links to those channels below.

Now I’m sure many of you have comments, ideas, and suggestions; we’re happy to hear them.

See you next week!