World War I & Imperialism: Causes, Impacts, and Key Events
World War I (1914-1919)
Causes of the War
Tensions had been brewing since the late 19th century, culminating in the outbreak of World War I. Several factors contributed to this conflict:
- Rise of Nationalism and Imperialism: Intense rivalry between European powers like France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Russia fueled a system of defensive alliances.
- Alliance Systems: Two major alliances emerged: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (UK, France, and Russia).
- Crises in Morocco and the Balkans: Conflicts arose between France and Germany in Morocco, and between Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Balkans.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, on June 28, 1914, triggered the war.
The Outbreak of War
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which was partially rejected. This led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on July 29, 1914. The alliance system quickly escalated the conflict, with Germany declaring war on Russia and France, followed by Britain declaring war on Germany.
Stages of the War
- War of Movement (1914): Initial offensives on both the Western and Eastern Fronts.
- Trench Warfare (1914-1917): Stalemate and trench warfare dominated the Western Front.
- War of Movement (1917-1918): The United States entered the war in 1917, shifting the balance of power. Russia withdrew from the war after the Bolshevik Revolution.
The End of the War
Germany’s allies weakened, and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II led to the creation of the Weimar Republic. Germany signed the Armistice of Compiègne on November 11, 1918, marking the end of the war.
Consequences
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh terms on Germany and redrew the map of Europe. New states were created, and Germany was burdened with war guilt.
Imperialism (1850-1919)
Imperialism, the policy of extending a nation’s power and influence over other territories, had significant political, social, and economic consequences.
Causes of Imperialism
- Economic Factors: European nations sought new sources of raw materials and markets for their goods.
- Political Factors: The desire for increased political power and influence drove expansion.
- Ideological Factors: Racist ideologies justified European dominance.
- Demographic Factors: Population growth in Europe led to migration and colonization.
Dismemberment of Africa
European powers, driven by economic and political ambitions, colonized Africa. The Berlin Conference of 1885 regulated the division of Africa among European nations. Conflicts arose, such as the Fashoda Incident between France and Britain, and the Anglo-Boer War.
European Imperialism
Types of Colonies
- Colonies: Directly ruled by the colonizing power (e.g., India).
- Protectorates: Retained local rulers but were under the control of the colonizing power (e.g., Egypt).
- Mandates: Former German colonies administered under the League of Nations after World War I (e.g., Gambia).
- Settlement Colonies: Large European populations settled, eventually gaining self-government (e.g., New Zealand, South Africa, Australia).