The Causes of WW1

Long-term and short-term causes

Previous situation Europe in the early 20th
century was divided in
different empires with
hereditary monarchies
(except France that was a
Republic).
The second industrial revolution had changed the
situation in Europe. The most developed country was
Germany now. This power was seen as a threat by the
other countries.

The system of alliances created by Bismarck had

maintained the peace in Europe but with the new
Kaiser, the situation changed. William II created the
weltpolitik, his aim was to transform Germany into a
global power.
The Balkans
The Balkan region had
a strategic geographical
location. It was between
the Ottoman, Russian
and Austro-Hungarian
empires so access to
the Balkans was key in
accessing several
important waterways.
WWI: Overview
“The Great War”

28th July 1914 - 11th

November 1918

15 million deaths

Triple Entente vs. Triple

Alliance
Long-term Causes
● Militarism
● Alliances
● Imperialism
● Nationalism
→ The MAIN causes of WW1
1. Militarism Nation

Britain
Soldiers

711,000
Warships

185
● Definition: When countries race to build up
Germany 2,200,000 97
armies, navies and weapons. The aim of
militarism is to protect and conquer new France 1,125,000 62

territory. Italy 750,000 36

Austria-Hungary 810,000 28
● 20th century:
- Time of great military expansion Russia 1,200,000 30

- Popular Idea of “the Glory of War” Table: European Armies and Navies in 1914

● Arms Race: Britain vs. Germany

→ Trying to achieve “Balance of Power”

HMS Dreadnought (1906) SMS Rheinland (1908)

2. Alliances
● Definition: Agreements made between
two or more countries.

‘A Threatening Situation’
Cartoon depicting the “Domino Effect” of the Alliances of Europe.
(Left to Right: Serbia, Austria, Russia, Germany, France, Britain)
Context of the Alliances
TRIPLE ENTENTE TRIPLE ALLIANCE

1870 1870
After Franco-Prussian War, France lost territories of After Franco-Prussian War, Germany worried about French
Alsace-Lorraine. Feared future attacks from Germany and retaliation. Also, Austria-Hungary feared falling apart (growing
strengthened borders. nationalism with help of Russia) and needed strong ally.

1894 1879
France and Russia form alliance. Russia had borders with Austria-Hungary and Germany form alliance. Promise help if the
Austria-Hungary and Germany. If France or Russia were other went to war.
attacked, their ally would help.
1882
1904 Italy thought it would benefit from Alliance with A-H and Germany
Britain and France sign the ‘Entente Cordiale’ and patch up → forming Triple Alliance
their old rivalry. Britain was worried about growing
German power and sought French help. 1914
Ottomans side with Germany for many reasons, including
1907 economic motives and rivalry with British and Russian Empires
Britain and Russia sign similar agreement → forming Triple
Entente
3. Imperialism
● Definition: Idea that in order to be a great nation, you need to have an empire.
● Colonies = Resources → Trade → Power
● Britain had largest empire, but feared German expansion.
4. Nationalism
● Definition: “When a group of people identify with each other and display a
loyalty to their nation or country”
● It caused competition between European countries
● Nationalist tensions within Empires caused trouble (i.e. Serbian Gavrilo
Princip against Austria-Hungary)
Short-term Causes
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28th,
1914 triggered the start of WW1.

→ AFF was visiting Sarajevo (Bosnia, Austrian-Hungarian Empire)

→ Assassinated by Gavrilo Princip (Serbian nationalist)

Triggered month-long stand off between Serbia and Austria-Hungary

The Balkans = “The Powder Keg of Europe”

The Archduke was the heir to the

Austrian-Hungarian Empire
The Lead-up to WW1
28th June: Archduke assassinated by Serbian nationalists
6th July: If Russia mobilises, Germany will help Austria-Hungary (aka ‘The Blank Cheque’)
23rd July: Austrian ultimatum to Serbia
25th July: Serbia rejects ultimatum + Russia prepares for war
28th July: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
30th July: Russia mobilises and helps ally Serbia
1st August: France mobilises in support of Russia + Germany declares war on Russia
3rd August: Germany declares war on France + Germany invades Belgium
4th August: British ultimatum to Germany ignored → Britain declares war on Germany
 The powerful states are going to win the war (economy,
Total war army, resources, technology, propaganda…)

Women Workers

Weapons Tanks against horses

Location Focalised western front and eastern front

Stages of War War of movements vs war of trenches

The Start of WWI
What does this cartoon tell us?

What is its big message?

The causes of WWI, set out like a bonfire. Main causes

are logs, The Balkans Situation an oily rag, several things
are matches which aid the fire, the assassination at
Sarajevo is the match which lights the fire and
Nationalism and Arms races are encouraging the fire.

Cartoon by Harris Morgan, 2007.