World War 1 Causes
Alliances:
Triple entente (Russia, France, Britain)
Triple alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy)
Reasons and motivations of each nation and its leaders:
Triple Alliance(Central Powers)
Germany:
Wilhelm expansion intentions for Germany to gain global power.
New powerful empire with strong navy to rival Britain's.
Austria-Hungary:
Internal issues with states seeking independence from central authority and the emperor's
intentions to keep the nation together.
Issues with Serbia promoting Serbian nationalism within the country, whom Russia supported setting
Austria-Hungary and Russia on a collision course.
Italy:
Recently formed nation in 1871, looking for opportunities for expansion, gaining power and
influence by joining the dual alliance(Germany and Austria-Hungary)- forming the triple alliance.
Triple Entente(Allied Powers)
Britain:
Growing concern with Germany's increasing power and economic strength, threatening its position
as the most powerful empire in the world at the time(democratic).
France:
Second most influential empire(republic), threatened by Germany's increasing power and due to the
Franco-Prussian war, fearing another German attack.
Russia:
Largest country, however economically weakest. Focus on strengthening military(rearming program)
after the war against Japan- internal tensions with revolutions and unhappy population seeking
political freedom and betterment of living and working conditions.
Rival with Austria Hungary due to interests in expansion in the Balkans, shared concern with
Germany's increasing power.
Military
Anglo-German Rivalry
Naval competition between Britain and Germany, with Germany seeking to threaten its neighbors
with strengthening of its military and navy, seeking to overthrow Britain in naval power.
Tensions calmed by 1914 with Britain still leading in naval power.
Arms Race
Between all powers of Europe, each nation increasing military expenditure. Deadly weapons and
arms were built, battleships, cruisers, etc. with increasing armaments production.
Nationalism
Intense pride, superiority and desire for self-determination among European nations fueling tensions
and competition.
Nations feeling entitled to expand outside their territories and influence with their national identity,
resulting in aggressive foreign policies and alliances.
Nationalist movements seeking independence outside of their nation such as Serbians in Austria-
Hungary, causing both internal and external tensions.
Balkan(fueled by Serbian nationalism) tensions which played a major role in the assassination of
Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Each nation seeking to assert independence and power and expand their territories in a vision for
the "Greater" version of the nation.
Imperialism
(a system where one powerful nation conquers, controls and exploits one or more colonies, usually
on other continents for economic gain.)
Competition between European nations to expand their territories and gain colonies.
The 'Scramble for Africa' evidenced this, with European nations competing for territory in the
continent, fueling animosity and mistrust.
The colonization of areas provided the raw materials necessary for improving military, exploited
labor and rivalry at the expense of other empires.
European empires were the main colonizing powers at the time, and the fight for colonies led to
great competition and tensions in Europe.
Short-term and Immediate Causes
Moroccan Crises:- conflict between France and Germany for control over Morocco. (allied vs
entente)
Led to the Agadir Conference taking place with Germany backing down and increasing British
hostility towards them.
Instability in the Balkans:- Conflicting interests in the area, with Austria Hungary planning on
overthrowing Serbia and Serbia with the help of the allied powers chasing independence and
nationalism.
Led to Balkan Wars in 1912 and 1913.
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo: 28th June 1914, Archduke Franz
Ferdinand(heir to Austro-Hungarian throne) was assassinated by a group of Serbian men part of the
organization "the Black Hand", intending to rid Austrian influence and creating "Greater Serbia".
Reasons for Russia joining the war vs USA joining the war
Russia
1. Alliances: Russia was part of the Triple Entente, an alliance with France and Britain, which
meant that it was obligated to support its allies in the event of war. When Austria-Hungary
declared war on Serbia, Russia came to Serbia's defence, leading to a domino effect that
ultimately brought Russia into the war.
2. Pan-Slavism: Russia saw itself as the protector of the Slavic people in Eastern Europe, which
included Serbia. This sense of shared identity and responsibility contributed to Russia's
decision to defend Serbia against Austria-Hungary.
3. Territorial Concerns: Russia had long sought to expand its influence in the Balkans and
viewed Austria-Hungary's aggression towards Serbia as a threat to its own interests in the
region.
United States
1. Submarine Warfare: The U.S. initially remained neutral in the war but was eventually drawn
in by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which targeted American merchant ships
and civilian vessels. This led to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915 killing 128 American
passengers, playing a significant role in turning American public opinion against Germany.
2. Zimmermann Telegram: In 1917, the British intercepted a telegram from Germany's foreign
minister, Arthur Zimmermann, proposing an alliance with Mexico against the United States.
This provocation further inflamed anti-German sentiment in the U.S.
3. Allied Borrowing: The U.S. had loaned significant sums of money to the Allied Powers
(Britain, France, and Russia) during the war. An Allied defeat would have jeopardized the
repayment of those loans, providing an additional incentive for the U.S. to join the war
effort.
Armistice:
The Armistice of 11 November 1918 was a pivotal event that marked the end of World War I. Signed
between the Allies and Germany in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, the Armistice
brought an end to four years of brutal fighting. The agreement demanded that Germany withdraw
its forces from all occupied territories, surrender its fleet and weapons, and agree to reparations for
the damages caused during the war. Although the Armistice did not officially end the war, it set the
stage for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which formally concluded the conflict.
(Victorious powers: Britain, USA, France, Italy
Defeated powers: Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Turkey
WW1 Fatalities: 10 million people)
Treaty of Versailles
Terms created by the Big Three(David Lloyd George(Britain), Woodrow Wilson(USA) and Georges
Clemenceau(France))
Italy also played a minor role represented by prime minister Vittorio Emanuele Orlando.
Contrasting opinions on terms of the treaty:
France(Georges Clemenceau):
Believed Germany was relatively strong after the war and had to permanently weakened and was
guilty for all the damage and destruction during the war and had to have huge reparations.
Wanted Germany to be broken up into several smaller states to ensure this.
USA(Woodrow Wilson):
Believed the terms should not be too harsh to prevent any future conflict or rebellion, with his 14
points for drawing up a fair and lasting peace settlement. Believed Germany should be punished but
not too extreme. Main intentions to strengthen democracy in fallen nations to ensure people have a
say in preventing conflict. Believed every nation had a right to self-determination and east European
countries should govern themselves.
Britain(George Lloyd):
Agreed with the sentiment of Germany needing to be punished, however not to harshly so as not to
provoke future conflict. Wanted Germany to lose its navy and colonies, however also recover
economically so as to safeguard employment in Britain as Britain's economy and trade profited off of
Germany's.
Italy:
Wanted reparations for the great destruction and losses it endured.
In favor of a weakened Germany.
Pressurizing conditions during creation of treaty:
Starving Germans as Germany had to be held to prevent any outbreaks of battle
Fear of spread of communism creating urgency in imposing the treaty supporting German
democracy.
Impact of treaty:
Germany lost 10% of its land, 12.5% of its population, 16% of its coalfields and almost 50% of its iron
and steel industry.
All its colonies
Severely limited army rendering them "defenseless"
Had to accept war guilt and a huge reparations bill
Led to economic devastation for German economy
League of Nations
First supra-national cross-regional organization formed after the first world war to manage
international relations and ensure peacekeeping in future, promoted by US president Woodrow
Wilson, set up in 1920.
Values and Limitations of the League:
Values:
-Successful humanitarian work such as improved working conditions, encouraging better health and
sanitation practices, economic assistance to countries in difficulty and supporting refugees.
Limitations:
-Lack of effective peace-keeping(main purpose)
Reasons for failure of League of Nations in being an international Peace-keeping Body:
-Self-interest and nationalist needs in leading members, especially during the great depression
-Slow decision making since decisions had to be unanimous
-Lack of an army
-Limited impact of economic sanctions on aggressor states
-Key nations such as USA not members
-Unfair treaties such as treaty of Versailles had to be held up
-Was incapable of dealing with Japan and Italy, losing credibility and encouraging other states to
follow in their lead.
World War 1: Chronological Order of Events
July 1914: Europe goes to war(Domino effect)
Everything began at Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination. Austria Hungary sent an ultimatum to
Serbia, which was ignored. Therefore, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 23rd July.
Russia(led by Nicholas II at the time), a fellow Slavic nation felt diplomatically obliged to help Serbia
and mobilized its army. This then led to Germany(led by Wilhelm II) mobilising its army in defence of
Austria-Hungary(being in an alliance with it) and declaring war on Russia, whom they were planning
on warring with anyway. Germany also waged war on France according to its plan(Schlieffen Plan)
where it would win a quick victory against France and then join forces with its army at Russia.
German invasion in Belgium towards France led to Britain sending an ultimatum demanding
Germany to withdraw, and then declaring war against Germany on 4th August.
Italy and USA declared their neutrality.
Alliance Systems Domino Effect Simplified:
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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Austria declares war on Serbia
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Russia mobilizes army to defend Serbia
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Germany declares war on Russia
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France declares war on Germany
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Germany invades Belgium to attack France
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Britain declares war on Germany
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Japan declares war on Germany (due to alliance with Britain)
August 1914
British troops land in France. German army commits several massacres against Belgian civilians, with
allied propaganda turning public opinion against Germany.
French sent its army to battle with Germany unaware of Germany's advances, leading to a series of
battles at the frontiers with over a million causalities. Britain also joined in to help fight Germany.
Both troops raced to the sea trying to outflank each other and then sought shelter by digging
underground, and Trench warfare began.
1914 War at Sea
Britain imposed a naval blockade against Germany and prevented the flow of goods into the country,
attacking Germany's economy. However, German U-boats only a week later targeted a British cruise
H.M.S pathfinder. The submarines were a lethal new weapon with a surface range of 9000miles able
to attack undetected threatened Britain's sea advantage, sinking all British ships and vessels.
1914 Eastern Front
Russia launches an attack earlier than Germany expects but fails to gain ground and is pushed back
my German troops. Further south Austria Hungary also retreats.
Total War
Both sides use full force against the enemy now that the western fronts are frozen.
Aviation started being used, first for observation then for bombing and combat.
German airships bombed Paris twice and England around 50 times.
Both sides used lethal gases such as mustard and chlorine gas to attack the enemy in the trenches.
Entire populations are involved in war effort with many women working in arms factories.
European dominions and British colonies are also engaged in the war.
October 1914-February 1915 Eastern Front
Russia is in trouble with the Austro-German troops and the Ottoman Empire seizes the opportunity
to go to war alongside the central powers.
Britain send an Indian army at the new front with the goal to obtain oil resources.
In retaliation the Ottomans launch an offensive against the Swiss canal to cut supply chains to India
but are stopped in their advances.
The failure leads to Armenians being accused of supporting Russia leading to mass genocide of the
Armenian population.
New Participants
May 1915(USA and Italy join war)
German U-boats attack and sinks the British cruise ship Lusitania killing 1200 civilian deaths including
128 US citizens, causing USA to break its neutrality and join the war.
Italy, after negotiations with the allied powers to annex new territories declares war on Austria-
Hungary.
(october)
Bulgaria wishing to reclaim Balkan territories joins the central powers in war, and invade Serbia with
Austro-German forces.
In response the allied violate Greece's neutrality to send forces to help Serbia, however it is too late
as Serbia is overwhelmed by central powers and with its troops forced to flee.
(march 1916)
Portugal, allied with Britain confiscates German ships in its ports, in response to which Germany
declares war against Portugal, which brings troops to France and its colonies in Africa, entering the
war alongside the allied.
(august 1916)
Romania joins the entente.
Battle of Jutland(May 1916)
British and German fleets face off in one of the largest naval battles in history.
War Fatigue(October-December 1916)
Battles on various fronts end having caused tremendous casualties and demoralised troops.
Allied victory on the sea front prevent Germany from getting enough food causing widespread
famine.
January 1917
Western nations can rely on supply from USA via the Atlantic, in response to which Germany
relaunches unrestricted submarine warfare, with the objective of sinking all military and commercial
ships.
Germany sends the Zimmermann telegram to Mexico offering an alliance against the US, which is
intercepted by Britain and sent the USA, turning American public opinion against Germany.
April 6 1917: USA officially declares war against Germany
July 1917: Greece joins the entente under pressure form the allies.
1917-1918
Battles and offensives continue to be waged on various fronts, ending with nations signing armistices
as empires are weakened.
1919
Treaty of Versailles finally concluded the conflict and war, with allied forces emerging victorious and
Germany made to bear war guilt and responsibility for the mass destruction and devastation of the
war, taxed with huge reparations.
Life in the Trenches
Barbaric conditions
Food:
Cold, taste like petrol tea(bc water was stored in petrol containers that weren't properly cleaned)
Cold greasy bacon if you were lucky
Incompetent cooks
Unsanitary, muddy, wet(due to rain)
Stench of death due to storage of hidden corpses everywhere
Suffocating, sweaty, bloody gas masks during battle for days to prevent inhalation of lethal gases.
Boredom, lack of activities
Having to hide for days on end in the trenches during firing
Having to clean rifles by disassembling and disinfecting parts
Sleep on a slightly raised dry platform in a hole hidden on the ground.
Diseases, infections, trench foot.
Runoff, rainwater flooding trenches with rancid, fetid, muddy water that your feet are constantly
submerged in as you walk.
Rapid firing lasting for days, noisy and loud due to war.
Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points
Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. A
Democrat, Wilson is best known for leading the United States through World War I and for his
advocacy of the League of Nations.
1. Open diplomacy without secret treaties
2. Economic free trade on the seas during war and peace
3. Equal trade conditions
4. Decrease armaments among all nations
5. Adjust colonial claims
6. Evacuation of all Central Powers from Russia and allow it to define its own independence
7. Belgium to be evacuated and restored
8. Return of Alsace-Lorraine region and all French territories
9. Readjust Italian borders
10. Austria-Hungary to be provided an opportunity for self-determination
11. Redraw the borders of the Balkan region creating Rumania, Serbia and Montenegro
12. Creation of a Turkish state with guaranteed free trade in the Dardanelles
13. Creation of an independent Polish state
14. Creation of the League of Nations
Conceptual: How did scientific and technical innovation accelerate conflict in
WW1?
Scientific and technological innovations accelerated warfare by introducing new weapons,
transportation, communication, and production methods that significantly increased the scale,
speed, and destructive power of conflicts.
Innovations such as machine guns, tanks, and chemical weapons(lethal gases such as mustard and
chlorine gas) made battles more deadly, while advancements in aviation led to the development of
aerial bombing, bringing the war to civilian populations far from the front lines. Improved artillery
and naval technology, such as advanced battleships and German U-boats, further contributed to the
devastation on the battlefield and at sea, with sinking of targeted enemy cruises containing civilian
passengers.
The Industrial Revolution's mass production techniques allowed for the rapid manufacture of
weapons and ammunition, fueling the escalation of conflicts. Additionally, developments in
transportation, including automobiles, submarines, and airplanes, revolutionized military mobility,
enabling armies to move more quickly and strike targets over greater distances.
Finally, communication technologies such as the radio and telegraph enabled military leaders to
coordinate their forces more effectively, making warfare more dynamic and responsive.
In summary, these scientific and technological advancements transformed the nature of warfare,
accelerating its pace and making it more destructive, with far-reaching consequences for both
soldiers and civilians.
Ideologies in WW1
Democracy
Nationalism
Imperialism
