M.A.N.I.A

Primary Causes of WWI

Militarism

• Militarism -noun1. a strong military spirit or policy. 2. the principle or policy of maintaining a large

military establishment. 3. the tendency to regard military efficiency as

the supreme ideal of the state and to subordinate all other interests to those of the military

Militarism• In response to nationalist and imperialist rivalries.

• Germany was in an arms race with Britain and France in order to dominate resources in the Alsace-Lorraine and later in the Scramble for Africa

• Naval development to compete globally for colonial domination and trade routes began in 1897

• France kept a standing military in order to compete internationally and to protect the borders between Germany and France.

• Countries in the Balkan region would increase their military development in order to wage revolutions for their independence.

• Drove new industries and technological advancements. Industrial revolution focused more on war development and less on social product development.

Alliances

• Alliance: –noun 1. the act of allying or state of being allied. 2. a formal agreement or treaty between two or

more nations to cooperate for specific purposes.

3. a merging of efforts or interests by persons, families, states, or organizations: an alliance between church and state.

4. the persons or entities so allied.

Alliances (Bismarck’s Realpolitick)Name of Alliance Members Why

Three Emperor’s League in 1871

Germany, Austria, Russia

To neutralize tension between Austria and Russia over the Balkans and to isolate France

Austro-German Dual Alliance in 1879

Austria and Germany

To strengthen the relationship between Germany and Austria after relations with Russia deteriorated because of the Eastern Crisis of 1875 and taxes.

Alliance of the Three Emperors in 1881

GermanyAustria-HungaryRussia

Returned to original alliance when Russia realized they were outnumbered

Triple Alliance in 1882

GermanyAustriaItaly

To strengthen the Dual Alliance and create a Central Powers corridor that further isolated France

The Reinsurance Treaty

Russia and Germany

Russia was hostile towards Germany regarding the recent decisions against them. In order to avoid war, they agreed to become neutral in the case of conflict that involved either country.

Other alliances Members Why

Franco-Russian Alliance of 1894

France and Russia Russia was growing weary and suspicious of German manipulation. Russia thought Germany had a secret agreement with Britain that threatened them when Kaiser Wilhelm did not keep agreements with Russia. France was looking for allies since Germany consistently isolated and manipulated them.

Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1902

Britain and Japan Russia was threatening war in Manchuria. Britain and Japan aligned to protect their interests in the Pacific region.

Franco –British Entente Cordiale of 1904

France and Britain

Signed after the Morrocan Crisis to create an alliance between Britain and France to isolate Germany who had been challenging both countries in Africa.

Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907

Britain and Russia In response to the Franco-British alliance, Russia sought to create an alliance with Britain that would relieve tension from the previous conflicts and help protect Russia from isolation

Triple Entente of 1910

Britain, France, Russia

Informal alliance between the three countries to acknowledge cooperation in response to German aggression. Forced Germany reconsider cooperation with Russia and answer the Triple Alliance.

Nationalism• Nationalism –noun 1. national spirit or aspirations. 2. devotion and loyalty to one's own nation; patriotism. 3. excessive patriotism4. the desire for national advancement or

independence. 5. the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of

one's own nation, viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common interests of all nations.

Nationalism and German Unification• Congress of Vienna– attempted to “fix” Europe after

the Napoleonic Wars. Created spheres of influence that violated national heritage and identity. – Revolutions would break out in reaction to the violation of

nationalism

• German Unification: united under Prussia into a confederation of the 39 German states began in 1866 breaking away from Austria.

• France opposed German unification because it would threaten the balance of power established by the Congress of Vienna.

Consequences of German Unification• Germany attacked France in 1870– This is the Franco-Prussian war of

1870-- and won creating the German empire on 30 January 1871. • The Germans would receive the Alsace-Lorraine as the spoils of war

in the Treaty of Frankfurt. (First official contract and recognized by Britain)

• Germany was already considered a dominant European power and would conflict with France henceforth.

• Germany would immediately begin creating alliances with other European powers establishing their national and international presence.

• Nationalism will also drive Germany to become an economic and military rival to Britain in the 1900s and will lead to overaggressive policies that will lead to war.

Balkan Nationalism• The Turkish Empire is declining creating a power vacuum

between Austria and Russia to dominate the Balkan resources and ports for trade.

• Series of crises emerge in the Balkan region that would eventually lead to WWI.

• All of these crises were the result of international encroachment and the smaller nations defending their countries based on nationalism

• This is why the Balkan region becomes the “powder keg” of Europe.

Eastern CrisisBetween Where When Why Results

Russia and Austria

And several Balkan countries- mainly Bulgaria

Bosnia and HerzegovinaLater Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro

July 1875-1878

Turkey became weak and Bosnia declared independence against Turkey.

They ignited nationalist movements in the region.

Turkey somehow won and restabilized the region; but Russia and Austria decided to challenge the Turkish claim to the resources in the region and tried to dominate the Balkan territory and declare war against Turkey

Germany feared a war because of the Emperor’s League so they hosted the “Berlin Congress” which established “self-governing principalities under Turkish control”

Russia resented Germany’s “false friendship”

Sent a message to the Balkan countries that they would not be supported by European powers.

Bulgarian Crisis of 1879-1887Between Where When Why Results

Bulgaria and Russia

and Austria later

And several Balkan countries- mainly Bulgaria

Bulgaria 1879-1887

The Berlin Conference said that Russia could oversee the election of a Bulgarian King.

The Russians influenced elections for the Tsar’s nephew to gain the throne thinking they would then dominate the country.

The tsar’s nephew fought against Russian domination protecting Bulgarian nationalism

The Russians kidnapped Alexander and forced him to abdicate. The Bulgarians refused to accept the Russian replacement and elected their own ruler (an Austrian Prince).

This placed Bulgaria under Austrian protection and forced Russia to back down.

Other countries decided to try for their independence also and mini revolutions broke out.

Bismarck negotiated the Meditterenean Agreements that established a “status quo” and said everyone must stop interfering in the Balkan region.

Bosnian Crisis of 1908-1909Between Where When Why Results

Bosnia

Austria and Russia against the Turkish Empire

Bosnia and the Straits

September 1908

After a Turkish Revolution, Russia and Austria determined to work together to protect Europe from Turk strength.

Russia and Austria agreed to allow Russian warships into the Balkan Straits which would strengthen European defense. It would also allow Russia to potentially cut out other European powers and annex Bulgaria.

In exchange, Austria would annex Bosnia and Herzegovina without Russian interference.

The international powers protested when Austria moved to take Bosnia.

Serbia protested the encroachment and Russia supported Serbia’s claims to Bosnia

The European powers called for a conference and vetoed Austria’s attempt to annex Bosnia.

Austria threatened to seize Bosnia anyway, but eventually backed down.

Relations between Austria and Russia are permanently destroyed.

First Balkan WarBetween Where When Why Results

Italians and Libya

Balkan states and Turkey

European alliances

Balkan Region

Late 1912

Declarations were made in December1912

Italy invaded Libya which belonged to Turkish Empire.

This made the Balkans realize the Empire was weak and they broke into Revolution and forced the collapse of the Empire.

Austria made a move for Albania but the Serbs countered and supported Albania

Russia made a play on Bulgaria trying to seize the Straits. Bulgaria received support from Serbia.

The alliances were almost activated.

The Treaty of London of 1913 is signed agreeing that the super powers will back down.

A series of treaties are signed with the Balkan countries to establish territorial boundaries.

The tensions of Europe have escalated.

The alliances are strengthened and confirmed.

All countries begin to build up militarily to prepare for the inevitable conflict.

The Second Balkan WarBetween Where When Why Results

The Balkan States and the Super Powers

Bulgaria and Serbia

Spread throughout the Balkan region

June 1913 Bulgaria felt cheated by the treaties after the first war; so they attacked Serbia trying to gain land and resources.

The Greeks, Romanians and Turks all supported Serbia and Bulgaria was defeated.

This made Serbia the strongest nation in the Balkan region.

They would not cooperate with Imperial European super powers and this would establish the conflict between Austria and Serbia that would explode when the Archduke is assassinated.

Industrialism

• Industrialism: -noun 1. an economic organization of society built largely

on mechanized industry rather than agriculture, craftsmanship, or commerce.

2. An economic and social system based on the development of large-scale industries and marked by the production of large quantities of inexpensive manufactured goods and the concentration of employment in urban factories.

Imperialism

• Imperialism- (noun)

1. The policy of extending the rule of authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

Imperialism• Justified by the need for greater resources to continue

industrial development.

• Justified by the concept of Social Darwinism and the notion that only the strongest nations would survive.

• Would lead to the Powder Keg in the Balkan region that would eventually become the catalyst for the Great War.

• Would lead to the Scramble for Africa and eventually global empires that would create the nationalist foundation for conflicts during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Scramble for Africa

Event and when Between Where Why and Results

Anglo-French QuarrelSuez Crisis1878

France and Britain and the Egyptians

Egypt in the Suez Canal zone

France began building the Suez canal but couldn’t afford to finish it. Britain agreed to help finance it to open up trade routes into the Middle East. Egypt tried to keep out the foreign powers tried to incite a revolution. France and Britain were going to attack jointly. France backed out. Britain subdued the Egyptians alone. France demanded their share of the canal. Britain said no and seized control of the entire canal zone

Britain now dominates the Mediterranean Sea with superior naval power. They control the access into and out of the Sea. Austria and Italy are uncomfortable because Britain can dominate their ports. Russia is frustrated because they do not have access to the Mediterranean and do not have equal trade access.

Fashoda Crisis and the Upper Nile in 1882

Britain and France

In the Fashoda region (Sudan) south of Egypt along the Nile River

France was bitter over the Suez Canal. They tried to acquire land south of Egypt. Britain responded with military force but averted war by offering a diplomatic split of Africa- France headed west to Morocco and Britain headed South to Boer.

Jameson Raid and the Boer War

Britain and Boer government with German intervention

Transvaal regionIn 1895

Raid by miners (British) on a Boer mining town seeking gold during a gold rush. The Boer’s thought it was an unofficial raid sanctioned by the British government who denied any involvement.

Germany resented British interference because Germany had an unofficial relationship with the Boer financial industry.

Germany offered to finance a war if the Boer’s wanted to attack. The Germans also implied other European powers may aid them. The Boer government accepted German assistance and fought against the British colony.

The other European powes failed to support the Boer effort. Germany backed down and Britain easily defeated the Boer government and made South Africa a British colony.

Britain dominates South Africa. Furthermore, Britain resents German involvement in creating the war. This also reveals the competition/rivalry between Germany and Britain over arms/naval development.

First Morrocan Crisis

France and Morocco

With German intervention

1905-1906 France is colonizing Morocco and Germany tries to override French authority by only acknowledging the Sultan of Morocco. Germany encourages the Sultan to ignite a revolution against French domination.

The French call for the Algeciras Conference. Germany cannot find support for an intervention; therefore, France dominates the decisions of the conference.

France agrees that Morocco can be an independent sovereignty and an independent police/military system, but the French would have influence over trade, and internal affairs.

This reveals the French-German conflict and explains motive for the French and Germans to fight in WWI (and WWII).

This also shows that the Continental League cannot cooperate in any meaningful way and the alliances are not fully developed.

Second Moroccan Crisis

France and Germany

1911 The Moroccans revolt against the Sultan. They call on French support to establish a Republic. France sends support but seizes control of the Moroccan government. Germany is still interfering in Moroccan affairs despite the Algeciras Agreement and sends a naval cruiser to support the revolt against the French move.

The alliance system is being activated. Britain has an agreement with France that they will support French endeavors (Entente Cordiale). Russia has an agreement (Franco-Russian alliance).

Austria cannot help Germany so Germany is forced to back down. France is afraid of Britain involvement– to avoid British involvement France and Germany make a secret agreement: Germany gets the Congo region if they leave French Morocco alone– but they have to “say” that France “won”

This creates an arms race because they were so close to a real war. This reveals a diplomatic victory that undermines German nationalism that will encourage Germany to seek an opportunity to “save face” and be less cooperative

The Triple Entente held firm.

Scramble for the PacificEvent and When

Between Where Why and Results

Poppy Wars

Boxer Rebellion

Russo-Japanese War

British Empire(Hong Kong and Singapore)

Insanity leads to MANIA

• Many argue that the final reason for WWI, was obviously ASSASSINATION.

• The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand became the final catalyst to spark WWI once the tensions in Europe became unavoidable.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand• 28 June 1914– assassinated in Sarajevo Serbia.

• By Gavrilo Princip a Serb “Black Hand” terrorist group.

• Austria used the assassination as the excuse they needed to demand concessions from Serbia.

• The fact that the heir to a European throne was assassinated rattled the European rulers in the same way as King Louie’s beheading.

• Germany issued the “blanque check” to Austria indicating their unconditional support regardless of what happened next.

Austrian ultimatum• 7 July 1914 Austria issued an ultimatum that

demanded Serbia should adopt a series of anti-terrorist measures under the supervision of the Austrian government by giving Austria control of the Serbian security forces and intervene in Serbian internal affairs.

• Obviously Serbia rejected the ultimatum and Austria broke off diplomatic relations and declared war on 28 July 1914.

Russia

Supported Austria’s right to an inquiry.

Rejected Austria’s attempt to dominate Serbia.

Russia ordered the mobilization of troops because they suspected Austrian intentions.

Russians failed to respond to the German ultimatum

Germany reacted to Russian mobilization and mobilized their own troops.

Prepared the Schlieffen plan that was already drafted in case France made a move

Issued an ultimatum to Russia on 31 July to stand down

Germany declared war on Russia

Germany issued ultimatum on 2 August to Belgium for passage to attack France with the Schlieffen Plan

Germany attacked Belgium on 4 August

France ordered mobilization of troops in support of the Triple Entente to aid Russia 31 July 1914.

France mobilized along the Alsace-Lorraine region anticipating an attack.

Belgium refused German safe passage through to get to France.

Britain tried to seek a diplomatic solution to the declarations of war but Austria and Germany would not agree to negotiations unless all opposite parties withdrew and no one would comply.

At first, Britain tried to remain neutral despite the alliances.

Britain was forced to react to the invasion of Belgium. They issued an ultimatum on 4 Aug. Germany refused to respond so they declared war on 5 Aug.

Other world powers• Italy remained neutral and waited to see who

would offer them the best deal if they entered the war.

• Japan would declare war on Germany to honor the agreement with Britain (even though it meant helping Russia too which annoyed them).

• The U.S. would declare neutrality until later.

War is an ANIMAL

• Alliances• Nationalism• Industrialization• Militarism• Assassination• List of events leading to war

Practice creating outlines by rearranging your cards to address each question

• Peace settlements create conditions for new conflicts.. With reference to at least two settlements, explain to what extent you agree with this statement.

• To what extent should Germany be held responsible for causing both the First and Second World Wars?

• Evaluate the successes and failures of one twentieth century treaty in addressing the causes of conflict, and restoring peace and normality.

• “The First and Second World Wars were European civil wars that required outside intervention to settle.” How far do you agree with this quotation?

• To what extent can it be said that the First World War was caused by the alliance system?

• In what ways did the causes of the Second World War differ from the causes of the First World War?

• Evaluate the importance of naval warfare in twentieth century wars. Specific examples must be given from at least two wars.