Main Causes WW1 Flashcards
When the world entered the 20th Century there were 6 great powers…
Austria- Hungary- Strong Military
France- Large Army, Hates Germany
Germany- Economic and Military Strength
Great Britain- Greatest Financial Resources, Powerful Navy
Italy- Many Allies, Switched Sides in 1915
Russia- Largest Army, Poorly Trained and Equipped
Cause # 1: Militarism
World powers believed that strong armies were essential in deciding world issues
Cause # 2: Alliances
Triple Entente and Triple Alliance
Triple Entente
Russia
Britain
France
Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Cause # 3: Imperialism
the forceful expansions of a nation’s authority through territorial conquest, which creates political and economic domination.
Industrialization led to
Cause # 4: Nationalism
a feeling of deep loyalty to your people or homeland, due in part to a shared history or common destiny, and going to extreme measures to prove,
Serbia and Bosnia (Cause)
Cause:
- Bosnia had been annexed by Austria.
- Many Serbians still lived in Bosnia and hated Austrian rule.
- So Bosnian Serbs wanted to free Bosnia and united with Serbia
Serbia and Bosnia (Consequence)
Created a terrorist group called “The Black Hand”
Trigger
On June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian Hungarian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo, by a Serbian Nationalist Gavrilo Princip from the Black Hand. (Terrorist Organization)
Consequence
All this was used as an excuse for Austria to attack Serbia.
They gave them 48 hours to…
-Put down hatred of Austria
-Punish Assassins
-Help Defeat the Black Hand
Or they would declare War.
Serbia Refused!
Blank Cheque
Germany had given Austria a “Blank Cheque” stating that they would help Austria at any time of need. This was used.
Germany’s Two Front Strategy
The Germans believed that they could conquer Paris, and thus France in a matter of weeks, before Russia would be able to mobilize their troops towards Germany
The Schlieffen Plan
A German military strategist, Alfred von Schlieffen came up with the German two front war plan called the Schlieffen Plan
What is the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany would attack France through Belgium and conquer in a few weeks, and then conquering the Russians in the East, leaving Britain defenceless in a land war.
Europe on the Eve of War
Although Germany felt it had a solid plan for winning a war, they would not enact that Schlieffen Plan unless a situation arose.
That situation would arise with the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
The Spark
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914, Gavrillo Princip of a terrorist organization known as the Black Hand was the assassin
Events Leading To War
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Serbia held accountable and denies ultimatum.
- Austria-Hungary ask Germany’s permission to deal with Serbia.
- Germany promises support against Serbia
-Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia on July 28, 1914 - Russia begins to protect Serbia and Germany dec;ares war Russia on August 1, 1914, and on France on August 3, 1914
- Germany utilizes their secret plan
-Great Britain declares war on Germany after the German army violates Belgium neutrality on August 4, 1914
When and why does Canada join the war?
Canada automatically enters the war when Great Britain declares war on Germany, August 4, 1914
CENTRAL POWERS
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy /Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
TRIPLE ENTENTE
France
Russia
Great Britain (Canada included)
Militarism
European powers were engaged in an arms race, significantly increasing their military capabilities. For example, Germany and Britain built large navies to compete for dominance. This militaristic culture made war seem more acceptable and inevitable.
Alliances
Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (though Italy would later switch sides).
Triple Entente: France, Russia, and Britain.
Imperialism
Competition for colonies and resources increased tensions. For example, the Scramble for Africa saw European powers like Britain and France competing for control, leading to conflicts and rivalries.
Nationalism
Intense national pride and ethnic tensions were prevalent, particularly in the Balkans. Slavic nationalism, supported by Russia, sought independence from Austro-Hungarian rule, contributing to tensions in the region.
Who was most responsible for ww1.
Germany’s aggressive militarism, expansionist policies, and support for Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contributed significantly to the escalation of the conflict. The German leadership’s reliance on the Schlieffen Plan, which involved a quick attack on France through Belgium, further inflamed tensions.
Who got invaded first in ww1?
Belgium refused to allow Germany’s troops to pass through them.
Who attacked first
Germany attacks Belgium to get to France
The “Spark” or trigger that ignites the War: Who, where, by whom, and why?
The death of the duke in Sarajevo, June 28, 1914, by the Black hand in order to gain independence.
What was the consequence of that trigger or ‘spark’? What happened as a result??
This resulted in Austria-Hungary ultimately declaring war on Serbia after they refused demands.
