Causes of WW1 Flashcards
What are the four main causes of WW1?
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
Describe Militarism
The desire to make a countries army and navy stronger, usually to out number and power another country/countries.
Describe Alliances
The bond and/or promise between countries that means that they can rely on the others full support - be this in supplying or helping in war. Just because a country has an alliance with two different countries, it doesn’t mean those two countries have an alliance with each other - however if one ropes the country they both have an alliance with into a war - the other must join as well.
Describe Imperialism
The desire to make one’s country stronger than others -this would usually be shown in how many countries a single country/empire had control over. If one empire has significantly more power than another, it can cause feelings of vulnerability, distrust, and intimidation
Describe Nationalism
The feeling of superiority one feels about their country compared to another. If the pride one has for their own country feels challenged or threatened - this can be used to convince masses of people to fight for their countries honour.
What was the Bosnian Crisis, and how does it connect with the four causes?
When Austria took control of the provinces (a region within a country) of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908 (an act of imperialism), Serbia and Russia - allied countries - protested. However, due to Germany making it clear that they were allied with Austria, Serbia and Russia had to back down to avoid a war (wounding their pride and challenging their nationalism) This strengthened Austria and Germany’s bond, yet gave Russia a reason to extend their armies (causing a growth in militarism).
What was the Balkan wars and when did they take place, and how did they connect with the four causes?
Between 1912 and 1913, the Balkan wars were a series of local wars between the Balkan countries. Serbia came out as victorious - making it clear that they intended to be a threat towards Austria, due to being humiliated in the Bosnian Crisis (showing their nationalism). This worried Austria as Serbia and Russia were both allied countries, and had both gained much stronger armies (through militarism). For these reasons, Austria decided they must be dealt with (to ensure they didn’t try to take back Bosnia and Herzegovina in an act of Imperialism).
Explain the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
On June 28 1914, a Serbian from the Black hand terrorist organisation assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian throne. He was shot due to the many people in the Balkans being angered by Austria’s annexation (claiming a territory/country for oneself) of Bosnia in 1908. This act led to Austria declaring war on Serbia with their allied countries, Germany and Italy, backing them up. Due to Serbia’s alliance with Russia and Russia’s alliance with France and Britain, soon most of europe was involved.
Example of Militarism
In 1906, Britain created a ship dubbed ‘the dreadnought’, which was stronger and more durable than any ship that had been previously used by any country. Due to this, the Germans copied the design and began making their own Dreadnoughts to rival Britain’s - starting a naval race between them which only escalated.
Example of Alliance systems
The Triple Alliance, which was formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. The Triple Entente, which was formed in 1907 between Britain, France and Italy.
Example of Nationalism
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the 28 June 1914, by a Serbian terrorist from the Black Hand. This is because they were angered by Austria’s annexation of Bosnia in 1908 - as it humiliated them, made them feel weak, and wounded their sense of nationalism; causing them to feel a need to prove themself.
Example of Imperialism
The Bosnian Crisis that took place in 1908, when Austria-Hungary took control of the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina was an act of imperialism as it was done to further Austria’s power across the world and was a show of how much power Austria already held.
