Causes and Timeline of World War I

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 in History

Key Factors Leading to World War I

Several factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I:

  • Militarism: The build-up of armed forces to prepare for war. Germany, for instance, expanded its armed forces to defend itself against other countries.
  • Alliances: Agreements between countries to defend or fight together. Many European countries made agreements or promises to help each other if a third country invaded them.
  • Imperialism: The belief of a country in building up an empire and controlling less powerful countries. After unification, Germany sought to expand its empire.
  • Nationalism: Pride in one’s country, with people wanting to govern themselves or defend themselves. Many countries in Europe were very proud and wanted to defend themselves as effectively as possible.

Timeline of Key Events in 1914

  • June 28: Serbian student Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife.
  • July 23: Austria-Hungary demanded compensation for the assassination from the Serbian government.
  • July 28: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
  • July 29: Due to her alliance, Russia mobilized its troops to defend Serbia.
  • August 1: Due to the alliances, Germany declared war on Russia.
  • August 2: France declared war on Germany to help Russia.
  • August 3: Germany declared war on France.
  • August 4: Germany invaded neutral Belgium on its way to France. Due to the alliances, Great Britain declared war on Germany.
  • August 6: Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia.
  • August 7: Lord Kitchener called for 100,000 men to join the British Army to defend Belgium.
  • August 12: France and Britain declared war on Austria-Hungary.

Short, Medium, and Long-Term Causes

Short-Term Causes (STC): The arms race, characterized by a desire for peace through military strength, and nationalist movements.

Medium-Term Causes (MTC): The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian student.

Long-Term Causes (LTC): Secret alliances such as the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance, imperialism or colonial rivalry, naval rivalry between Great Britain and Germany, and the Franco-Prussian War, which resulted in France’s animosity towards Germany.

Interpretation of Wartime Propaganda

Propaganda posters often emphasized the importance of brave young soldiers to protect their country’s borders, fight against the enemy, and secure a happy future. The explicit message was often to sell bonds, recruit soldiers, or encourage civilians. The implicit message was to secure financial resources, boost recruitment, encourage public support, and appeal to patriotism.

Phases of World War I

  • Movement Phase (1914): Different countries began fighting on the Western and Eastern European fronts.
  • Trench Warfare (1915-1917): Both sides were entrenched, leading to a stalemate that lasted until 1917.
  • World Phase (1916-1918): Battles took place on multiple fronts, including land, air, and sea, across Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia.

Involvement of Other Nations

  • Romania: Joined the Central Powers in August 1916 and remained involved until December 1916.
  • Bulgaria: Joined the Central Powers in September 1915 and remained involved until September 1918.
  • Ottoman Empire: Joined the Central Powers in October 1914 and remained involved until October 1918.
  • Greece: Joined the Allied Powers in July 1917.