ww1-p1

• Europe in 1914:

  • Europe is the richest continent in the world with a strong industry at the center of the world
  • Owns 80% of the world, making war seem unnecessary for financial gain
  • Considered a cultural center, with French as the world's language and European fashion influencing globally
  • Progressed in human rights and scientific advancements, especially during the Industrial Revolution
  • Experienced peace since 1871 after the Franco-Prussian war
• Long term causes of the war:

  • Colonial tension: Competition for colonies and influence, e.g., Germany with France and Great Britain in places like Morocco and Afghanistan
  • Balkan tensions: Conflicts involving Russia and Austria-Hungary in the Balkans, with Austria-Hungary aiming for Mediterranean access and tensions over preventing a Greater Serbia
  • Alsace-Moselle: German-speaking territory taken by Germans, leading to tensions with France
  • Economic Competition: Crisis between Germany and Britain from 1873-1895 due to industrial revolution-related economic competition
  • Arms race: Nations engage in an arms race, developing new weapons, increasing army sizes, and boosting military budgets
  • Nationalism: Rising independence movements, especially among allochthons like Polish and Slavs in Austria-Hungary
  • System of alliances: Triple Alliance (Italy, Germany, Austria-Hungary) vs. Triple Entente (France, Great Britain, Russia)
• Short term causes of the war:

  • 28th June 1914: Assassination attempt on Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, in Sarajevo, Balkans, leading to a series of events that escalated tensions