1st World War
1st World War was caused by the culmination (meeting point)
of various developments that had been going on in Europe since the congress of
Vienna in 1815. WW1, also known as “The Great War” & “ War to End All
Wars”, involved Europe, US & Japan.
Causes
Rise of intense nationalism in Europe.
German conquest of the French territories of Alsace Lorraine
in 1871 made them arrogant. Germans felt they were a master-race. It was also
nationalism that caused naval rivalry between Germany & England. It was the
national ambition of Italy to wrest the Italian speaking districts of Trieste
& Trentino from Austria. It was also nationalism that caused European
powers to squabble over their interests in Asia, Africa & the Balkans.
Military alliances
Bismark the Kaiser (leader) of Germany, under fear of
possible attack from France initiated a system of military alliances. In 1879,
Germany & Austria-Hungary entered into a treaty called Dual Alliance
(Austria-Hungary was an enemy of Russia in the Balkan crisis). Dual Alliance
was a secret arrangement to help one another in case of war. In 1882, the Dual
Alliance was became Triple Alliance when Italy joined the group. This caused
tension, especially to France & Russia. § In 1904, Britain made an agreement on Entente with
France to end all hostilities between the two countries In 1907 Britain, France & Russia formed. A
separate diplomatic group known as the Triple Entente. Through a diplomatic
group, it also became a power to counter any threat from Germany. The formation
of the 2 blocs – Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) & Triple
Entente (England, France & Russia) caused great suspicion & tension in
Europe.
Military build-up
Germany increased her navy & army. This led England to
expand her navy. Russia to adopted a program of army expansion. France
increased compulsory military service from 2 to 3 years. This armament race
produced fear & hostility among all nations in Europe.
Imperialism
European imperialism was a constant source of friction among
the powers. At that time the greatness of a nation depended not only on its
standing in Europe but upon its non-European possessions. England, France &
Russia all had colonial empires. Germany had limited possessions. Competition
between Germany & France almost led to a war over Morocco.
The Balkan Crisis
Bitter enmity between Austria & Serbia in the Balkans. Bosnia
& Herzegovina were provinces akin to Serbia in blood & language &
wanted to be part of Serbia. In 1908, Austria conquered Bosnia & Herz. To
prevent the expansion of Serbia. Austria also feared that a strong Serbia will
also attract. Millions of Croato-Serbs living under Austrian rule. Austria was
determined to prevent the expansion of Serbia. The Serbs got the support of
Russia in this struggle & the Austria the support of the Germans. This
caused further tension in Europe.
Immediate cause
Archduke Francis Ferdinand, nephew to the Austrian Emperor
(heir to the Throne) & his wife were murdered at Sarajevo in Bosnia on the
28 June 1914 by a Bosnian student. Austria accused Serbia for being behind this
murder which Serbia denied. Austria declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914. Serbians
asked for Russian help. Germans declared war on Russia. Triple Entente was
drawn into the conflict.
Events of war
On 4th August 1914, Germans entered Belgium to attack France.
As they advanced towards Paris, French & British troops forced the Germans
to retreat after the Battle of Marne. In 1914 Turkey & in 1915 Bulgaria
& Italy entered the war by siding Germans. In 1914 Japan sided Allies
(Britain, France & Russia).
This year 1917 saw 2 important events that profoundly
affected the war.
·
Russia
revolution (because the government is shaking so be friends with Germany). The
Czar was overthrown by extremist the Bolsheviks (communist). They signed a
treaty with Germany – Threaty of Brestlitovsk. By this Russia surrendered all
her western provinces including Poland to Germany. This enabled Germany to move
her troops to the western front
·
United
States entered the war. US entry into war was as a protest against unrestricted
submarine campaign by Germans in violation of international law
ü US placed enormous resources of men
& money to assist Allies. This stopped German expansion
ü In November 1918, Germany surrendered
& the war ended
·
Peace
conference of Paris 1919
ü Representatives of Allied Powers met
at Paris in 1919
ü President Woodrow Wilson of US
presented at 14 point peace settlement
ü The 1st world war ended with the
Treaty of Versailles in 1919
Effects of war
Loss of territory & military power by Germany. Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.
Several German provinces were given to Poland, Denmark & Belgium o Army
reduced to 100,000 men. Not to use submarines, cannot import arms. Germany
denied trading rights outside her territory.
Emergence of new countries .4 independent countries emerged from
the Russia empire – Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania. From
Austrian-Hungary empire emerged Czechoslovakia & Serbia. From the Turkish
empire emerged Lebanon, Syria, Iraq & Palestine. Romania & Italy were
enlarged.
End of monarchy .Royal dynasties in Russia, Germany & Austria
collapsed – democracy introduced. Bolshevik revolution in 1917 ended monarchy
in Russia. Lenin introduced communism. Greece abolished monarchy, became
republic. In Turkey, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk abolished the Sultanate &
Caliphate in 1923.
League of Nations. League of Nations was formed in 1919 to maintain world
peace. Its headquarters was at Geneva in Switzerland. However League of Nations
could not enforce decisions on big powers.
Rise of nationalism & communism. President Woodraw Wilson’s “Right to
self- Determination” spread to Europe & Asia. India & Burma one of the
first countries in Asia to seek self-determination. o Self-determination also meant
countries could choose the type of government if wanted –democracy/ communism. Communism
spread to China & Indochina.
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