World War I: The Rise and Fall of Empires
The Armed Peace
Germany’s Rise to Power
After unification, Germany became a leading power in international politics. Chancellor Bismarck’s system of alliances with Austria, Russia, and Italy aimed to isolate France (as revenge for the loss of Alsace and Lorraine) and maintain balance in the Balkans.
The Dismissal of Bismarck and the Rise of Imperialism
Following the death of Emperor William I, William II ascended to the throne. His expansionist policies led to Bismarck’s dismissal and a new era of imperialism.
The Formation of Military Blocs
This period, known as the Armed Peace, saw European powers divide into two military blocs: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and the United Kingdom). Fear and mistrust fueled an intense arms race.
The Armed Clashes and Principal Problems
Conflicts of Interest
Clashes arose between established colonial powers and emerging nations seeking colonies for raw materials and markets.
The Moroccan Crises
Two crises in Morocco led to the Algeciras Conference, which placed the country under French and Spanish protection.
The Balkan Crisis
Tensions in the Balkans further destabilized the region.
The Crisis of Summer 1914
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife visited Sarajevo to assert Austrian sovereignty in Bosnia. They were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip.
Austria’s Ultimatum and the Outbreak of War
Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia, threatening war if Serbia didn’t halt its investigation of the assassination. Serbia, backed by Russia, rejected the ultimatum. On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia.
The Domino Effect
Russia mobilized its troops. Germany demanded demobilization, and when Russia refused, Germany declared war on Russia and then on France. Germany’s invasion of Belgium prompted Great Britain to declare war on Germany. Italy initially remained neutral, breaking the Triple Alliance.
Phases of the War
World War I involved global powers. The Triple Entente was supported by Italy, Romania, Greece, the United States, and others. American and Asian involvement varied.
Phase 1: War of Movement (1914)
Germany’s Schlieffen Plan aimed for a swift victory over France before turning against Russia. The plan was halted at the Battle of Marne. Russia’s attack on Germany was repelled, but it diverted German troops, saving Paris.
Phase 2: War of Positions (1914-1917)
The failure of Germany’s offensive led to static trench warfare. The Allies launched attacks in secondary areas, such as Gallipoli and German colonies in Africa. In the Middle East, the Allies, aided by Arab nationalists, occupied Ottoman positions.
Phase 3: The Crisis of 1917
- The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia led to Russia’s withdrawal from the war and significant territorial losses to Germany.
- The United States, initially neutral, entered the war after German submarine attacks sank ships like the Lusitania and Sussex. The U.S. provided crucial manpower and industrial support to the Allies.
Phase 4: The Final Phase (1918)
Russia’s withdrawal allowed Germany to launch a major offensive. The arrival of American troops helped thwart this effort. The Allies counterattacked, culminating in the Second Battle of the Marne.
Human and Economic Consequences
World War I was devastating. Eight million people were killed and millions more wounded. The war also had a profound economic impact, with governments controlling industries and women entering the workforce.
The Peace Treaty of Versailles and Paris
The Paris Peace Conference resulted in a series of treaties with defeated nations. Inspired by Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points, the treaties aimed to prevent Germany’s resurgence, maintain balance in the Balkans, and isolate Russia.
The Treaty of Versailles
, Germany lost all its colonies and were taken over the UK and France. -The AutroHongares Empire was split – the Ottoman Empire became the Republic of Turkey, Poland and received a new territory out to sea. – Romania received Transylvania.