Tension Before 1914

Question 1

Feeling and environment

Answer 1

Certainly, let’s delve into more analytical causes of tension in Europe before 1914:

1. System of Alliances: The complex system of alliances, while intended to maintain a balance of power, paradoxically increased the risk of a widespread conflict. As nations were bound by treaties to support each other, any regional dispute had the potential to escalate into a continent-wide war.
2. Militarism and Arms Race: The intense focus on building up military capabilities, especially naval forces, created a sense of competition and distrust. The arms race not only strained economies but also fostered a mindset where military solutions seemed more viable than diplomatic ones.
3. Nationalism and Ethnic Tensions: Nationalistic fervor, particularly in the Balkans, created a volatile mix of ethnic and nationalist aspirations. The desire for self-determination clashed with existing political boundaries, leading to regional tensions and conflicts.
4. Imperialistic Competition: The scramble for overseas colonies intensified economic rivalries among major powers. Economic interests in Africa and Asia contributed to a global power struggle, with imperial possessions becoming a symbol of a nation’s prestige and strength.
5. Economic Interests and Trade Rivalries: Economic competition, protectionist policies, and trade disputes heightened tensions. Nations sought to secure resources and markets for their industries, leading to conflicting economic interests that were closely tied to geopolitical rivalries.
6. Deterioration of Diplomacy: Diplomatic failures and missteps during crises, such as the Moroccan Crises, demonstrated a lack of effective communication and conflict resolution. The failure to find peaceful solutions eroded trust among nations.
7. Social and Cultural Factors: Internal societal dynamics, including class struggles and cultural tensions, added complexity to the political landscape. These factors, when combined with external pressures, created an environment conducive to radicalization and political unrest.for example the Slavic Nationalism: Slavic populations within the empire, particularly in the Balkans, expressed desires for independence and unification with other Slavic states clashing with the imperial structure and policies of the ruling Habsburgs.
8. Fear of Encirclement: Some nations, like Germany, felt encircled by hostile powers, leading to defensive and aggressive policies. This fear contributed to decisions that increased rather than decreased tensions. Decision like the foreign policy created by Kaiser contributed to Germany’s aggressive pursuit of alliances,military build-up and decision to build a powerful navy, challenging British naval supremacy and causing tension between the two.

The interplay of these analytical factors created a delicate and precarious balance that eventually collapsed with the outbreak of World War I. The war, in retrospect, can be seen as a culmination of these multifaceted and interconnected causes.

Question 2

Events

Answer 2

1. Balkan Wars (1912-1913): The First Balkan War and the Second Balkan War saw shifting alliances and territorial disputes among Balkan states and caused conflicts heightened Between ethnic and nationalistic tensions, particularly with the emergence of a more assertive Serbia.
2. Moroccan Crises (1905-1906, 1911): Germany’s challenge to French influence in Morocco during the First Moroccan Crisis (1905-1906) and the Second Moroccan Crisis (1911) increased diplomatic tensions. The crises revealed the fragile state of European diplomacy and the potential for conflict.
3. Naval Arms Race (early 20th century): The Anglo-German naval arms race, characterized by the construction of battleships, created maritime tensions between Britain and Germany. The naval buildup contributed to the overall militaristic atmosphere.
4. Austro-Hungarian Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1908): Austria-Hungary’s annexation of these territories angered Serbia, as it had aspirations of uniting South Slavic peoples. This move further destabilized the Balkans.
5. Entente Cordiale (1904) and Triple Entente (1907): The Entente Cordiale between Britain and France in 1904 and the subsequent inclusion of Russia in the Triple Entente in 1907 shifted the balance of power in Europe. These diplomatic agreements formed a counterbalance to the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Question 3

July Crisis

Answer 3

1. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 28, 1914): The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for the assassination and was determined to curb Serbian influence in the Balkans. The Austro-Hungarian government, supported by Germany, saw an opportunity to address perceived Serbian threats. This had significant and far-reaching impacts, contributing to the escalation of tensions and the eventual outbreak of World War I
2. Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum to Serbia (July 23, 1914): Austria-Hungary issued a stringent ultimatum to Serbia, containing demands that touched on issues of sovereignty and domestic policy. Serbia’s response, while accepting many terms, did not fully comply with all demands.
3. Blank Check (July 5, 1914): Prior to issuing the ultimatum, Germany provided Austria-Hungary with a “blank check” of unconditional support, assuring them that Germany would back their actions against Serbia.
4. Austro-Hungarian Declaration of War on Serbia (July 28, 1914): After Serbia’s response, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, initiating military hostilities. This marked the beginning of the broader conflict. This is significant because this brought in the big nation that supported either AH or Serbia
5. Russian Mobilization (July 28, 1914): Russia, a supporter of Serbia, began partial mobilization against Austria-Hungary. This move alarmed Germany, leading to their declaration of war on Russia on August 1.
6. German Declaration of War on Russia (August 1, 1914): Germany, bound by the alliance system, declared war on Russia.
7. German Declaration of War on France (August 3, 1914): Germany, fearing a two-front war, declared war on France. This decision was influenced by Germany’s military strategy outlined in the Schlieffen Plan.
8. Invasion of Belgium (August 4, 1914): Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium, as part of the Schlieffen Plan, prompted Britain to declare war on Germany. The violation of Belgian neutrality and British commitments to Belgium were significant factors in Britain’s entry into the war.
9. Outbreak of World War I (August 4, 1914): With the declarations of war by major European powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, France, and Britain, the stage was set for the wider conflict that became World War I.