reasons for tensions before ww1

Question 1

European Expansionism:

Answer 1

Imperialism led to increased tensions among European powers.
British and French expansionism clashed with other empires like Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Question 2

Serbian Nationalism:

Answer 2

Serbian desire for independence from Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 by a Bosnian Serb ignited conflict.

Question 3

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand:

Answer 3

1914.
Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum to Serbia and subsequent declaration of war.

Question 4

Conflicts over Alliances:

Answer 4

Formation of alliances like Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).
Tensions heightened as alliances forced nations to support each other, leading to the Allied and Central Powers.

Question 5

The Blank Check Assurance:

Answer 5

Germany’s unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after Franz Ferdinand’s assassination.
Allowed Austria-Hungary to initiate war against Serbia, leading to wider conflict.

Question 6

Germany Millenarianism – Spirit of 1914:

Answer 6

German belief in achieving major transformation and securing power through war.
Initial success in war boosted nationalistic fervor but led to eventual demoralization and long-term consequences.