causes of ww1 Flashcards
learn causes of ww1
How did nationalism contribute to the tensions leading up to World War I?
Nationalism, particularly in the Balkans, led to ethnic groups seeking independence from larger empires. Serbian nationalism, for example, motivated the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the war.
What role did the arms race play in the lead-up to World War I?
The arms race, particularly between Germany and Britain, saw countries building up large militaries and weapons, including Dreadnought battleships, creating an environment of fear and competition that made war more likely.
What was the Schlieffen Plan and how did it contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
The Schlieffen Plan was Germany’s military strategy to avoid a two-front war by first invading France through Belgium. This plan, while never fully executed, led to Germany’s violation of Belgium’s neutrality, drawing Britain into the conflict.
How did the decline of the Ottoman Empire contribute to tensions in Europe before World War I?
The weakening Ottoman Empire caused power vacuums in the Balkans, leading to territorial disputes and intervention by Austria-Hungary and Russia, which added to regional instability and conflict.
How did the alliance system contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
The alliance system divided Europe into two blocs: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain). This system meant that a conflict between two countries could quickly escalate into a larger war due to mutual defense obligations.
How did colonial rivalries contribute to the lead-up to World War I?
European powers competed for colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, which led to increased tensions. Disputes such as the Fashoda Crisis between Britain and France in Sudan exemplified the colonial rivalries that exacerbated tensions.
How did economic competition among European powers contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
The rapid industrialization of Germany, which challenged Britain’s economic dominance, created competition and mistrust. Economic rivalry contributed to the broader sense of nationalistic pride and fear of losing global power.
How did the Franco-Prussian War affect the relationship between France and Germany leading up to World War I?
The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 left France humiliated and desiring revenge, particularly after losing the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. This created long-term tension between the two countries.
What role did nationalism in the Balkans play in the lead-up to World War I?
Nationalist movements, like Pan-Slavism, sought to unify Slavic peoples under Russian leadership, creating tensions with Austria-Hungary, which ruled over many Slavic populations, contributing to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
What was the Boxer Rebellion and how did it contribute to tensions before World War I?
The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 was a violent uprising against foreign influence in China, particularly targeting European and Chinese Christians. It led to massacres by colonial powers, increasing anti-colonial sentiment and tensions in Asia.
What was the Herero massacre, and how did it contribute to pre-war tensions?
Between 1904 and 1908, German forces massacred between 24,000 and 100,000 Herero people in Southwest Africa. The brutality of the massacre and its impact on colonial policy further fueled global resentment towards European powers.
How did the French closure of the University of Hanoi contribute to colonial tensions?
The French closure of the University of Hanoi and the suppression of intellectuals in Vietnam were part of the broader trend of colonial repression, leading to increased resistance and anti-colonial sentiments in Asia.
How did South Asian resistance to British rule contribute to global unrest before World War I?
South Asians increasingly resisted British rule, launching boycotts of British goods and demanding reforms. This growing anti-colonial sentiment contributed to the broader wave of unrest in European colonies.
How did the Dreyfus Affair in France contribute to tensions within European societies?
The Dreyfus Affair involved the wrongful conviction of a Jewish officer, Alfred Dreyfus, for espionage. The resulting scandal highlighted deep divisions, including anti-Semitism, and exposed issues of injustice and inequality in French society.
How did the Balkan Wars contribute to tensions in pre-war Europe?
The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) involved territorial conflicts between Balkan nations and the Ottoman Empire, and the jealousy over territorial gains led to the Second Balkan War. The instability in the Balkans contributed to the tensions that sparked World War I.
How did Boer resistance in South Africa contribute to the broader colonial tensions before World War I?
The Boer War (1899-1902) was fought between British forces and Dutch-descended Boers. The use of concentration camps by the British, leading to civilian deaths from disease and starvation, reflected the brutal nature of colonial conflicts and heightened global resentment.
How did the Young Turks movement contribute to pre-war tensions?
The Young Turks initially promoted nationalism and reform within the Ottoman Empire but later suppressed ethnic nationalist movements, particularly in the Balkans. This exacerbated tensions and contributed to instability in the region.
How did the media and public opinion influence the lead-up to World War I?
The media played a key role in inflaming nationalist sentiment, spreading propaganda, and increasing fears of foreign threats. This made it more difficult for governments to back down from conflicts, contributing to the escalation of tensions.
How did the decline of diplomacy contribute to the start of World War I?
As tensions rose, diplomatic relations between European powers became strained. Diplomatic failures, such as in the July Crisis of 1914, combined with the rigid alliance system, contributed to the outbreak of war.
How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
The assassination in June 1914 by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, acted as the immediate trigger for World War I. It led to Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia, which set off a chain reaction due to the alliance system.
