World War I: European Powers and Global Conflict
Consequences
Metropolis
Strengthened the 2nd Industrial Revolution, promoting expansionism. Served as a safety valve for social problems. Increased living standards of emigrants to the colonies. Gender became a focus of tension between nations.
Hill
Growing population led to the decline of traditional agriculture and the introduction of monocultures. Indigenous cultures disappeared, and illness and drug dependency emerged.
The First World War
Situation of European Countries
Britain
An industrialized country and the 1st colonial power. A parliamentary monarchy with a powerful and developed economy.
France
A republic with universal male suffrage and compulsory education. A great colonial power. Germany demanded the return of Alsace and Lorraine.
Germany
A monarchy ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Powerful military and industrial development.
Causes of Conflict
In the early 20th century, most European countries were part of a complex system of alliances. These alliances began forming under German Chancellor Bismarck, who aimed for German dominance in European continental politics, creating a power bloc centered in the German Empire, and containing Germany’s enemies. Bismarck established the Three Emperors’ League, an alliance between the three great conservative empires. Germany and Austria signed the Dual Alliance, which also involved a German agreement with Russia. In 1882, the Triple Alliance was signed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. A Russo-German agreement in 1892 outlined clauses of mutual aid in case of a German or Austrian military threat.
Contenders
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.
- Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Japan, and the USA.
- Neutral: Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Albania, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
The dominions of the British Empire struggled with Spain. At the beginning of the war, there was a balance of power. The Central Powers were strategically ahead, being a compact bloc, but also faced two war fronts. Germany provided food aid to the Allies. In 1917, the US joined the war alongside the Allies.
New Concept of War
Governments established war economies, with participation and organization by governments. The home front became crucial. Millions of people were mobilized. New forms of organization and tactics emerged, such as trench warfare. The media played a significant role, shaping public perception through reporting and opinions.
Development of the Conflict: War Movements
In August 1914, Germany and Austria-Hungary had significant advantages: powerful armies and easy communication. However, fighting a two-front war necessitated a quick victory. The German plan involved a swift strike against France. France was expected to capitulate in six weeks, allowing the Central Powers to focus on the Russian front. German armies invaded Belgium and France, initially encountering little resistance, and advanced to within 40km of Paris. The French armies, having reorganized, halted the German advance at the Battle of Marne. This battle’s outcome was crucial. The German blitzkrieg strategy had failed, and the French stabilized their defensive positions. On the Eastern front, the German army’s advance was more substantial.