World War I: Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences

A Different War: Total War

World War I was a “total war,” meaning the nations involved committed their entire population and resources to annihilate the enemy. The colonialism of previous years led to fighting in many nations and distant, exotic landscapes. It was the first large-scale industrial war, which introduced new and deadlier weapons (airships, airplanes, tanks, submarines, poison gas, etc.) and the application of industrial logic to warfare.

Rising Tensions in Europe (1870-1914)

Otto von Bismarck maintained tensions in Europe from 1870 to 1890. In 1890, Germany embarked on an aggressive colonial policy that broke the European balance. This aggressive policy became evident in the Moroccan crises (1904-1906 and 1911), which precipitated the Franco-British alliance against Germany.

The Alliances

• Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Italy.
• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.

Territorial Disputes

• France and Germany clashed over Alsace-Lorraine, a territory Germany had obtained in 1870 and which the French reclaimed.
• Poland remained divided between Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
• There were confrontations between Balkan countries and major powers.
• Italy sought to annex Trento, Trieste, and a large part of Dalmatia.

Germany and Great Britain were the two major powers, but Germany, after 1870, became more competitive. Countries invested heavily in disputed territories, leading to increased military spending, larger armies, and higher taxes.

The Crisis of 1914

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife, Sophie, were on an official visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia, to demonstrate Austrian sovereignty. Both were killed in a terrorist attack by a Serbian nationalist.

On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia. Russia supported Serbia. Britain and France aligned with Russia, while Germany supported Austria. On August 2, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium to move its army. On August 3, Germany declared war on France. On August 4, the operation began with the French occupation of Belgium.

The End of the War (1917-1918)

William II abdicated, and the Weimar Republic was proclaimed. Later, in 1919, the Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles were signed.

Consequences of the War

When the war ended, the terrible consequences were revealed, and they extended into the interwar period until World War II.

Human and Material Costs

• 8 million deaths, millions maimed, wounded, and missing.
• Social policies were tested, incorporating female labor into war-related industries.
• Lack of food caused a pre-revolutionary climate, with demonstrations, strikes, etc.

The League of Nations

The League of Nations was created for the resolution of international conflicts.

The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the defeated countries. Germany lost territory and was forced to pay very high compensation and reduce its army. This measure was pushed by France and approved by the UK. Germany did not accept this, fueling a sense of revenge. Germany lost its colonies, which were divided between the United Kingdom and France. Alsace-Lorraine returned to France. The Austro-Hungarian Empire disappeared, and Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia were formed.