Europe 1914

The First World War: Why?

Long term –

1. The European experience

2. Alliance system

3. Imperialist Competition

4. Stockpiling of WeaponsShort term - Assassination of Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

The ‘isms’1.Nationalism2. Imperialism3.Militarism

Treaty of Frankfurt , 1871

Ended the Franco Prussian War Defined border between Germany/France Alsace-Lorraine

The First World War: Who?

GermanyAustria-HungaryOttoman EmpireBulgaria

RussiaFranceGreat Britain----------------------------ItalyJapanUnited States (1917)

Central Powers: Allies:

Who?Central Powers

Central Powers (Triple Alliance) Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire –

later Bulgaria & Italy (briefly)

Kaiser Wilhelm II, Mehmed V, & Franz Joseph

Who?Triple Entente

Triple Entente or Allied Powers Loose alignment between the United Kingdom,

France, and Russia

Leaders

•England – King George V - Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, then David Lloyd George

•France – George Clemenceau

•Russia – Tsar Nicholas II

The First World War:

The Crisis 1.

28 June 1914 Heir to Austrian throne

Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo.

Austria seizing Bosnia. Hotbed of Slav

nationalism

Seal of the Black Hand group

Archduke Franz Ferdinand• June 28, 1914

Franz Ferdinand of Austria toured Sarajevo

• Gavrilo Principe shot/killed the Archduke

• Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists.

• The assassination sparked the First World War

Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria and his Wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg one hour before their deaths, June 28, 1914

The Path to War Germany supports Austria

Habsburgs (WHO?) send an ultimatum to Serbia

Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Serbia on July 28th

Russia mobilizes in support of Serbia

Germany demands that Russia stands her armies down. Russia refuses

Germany declares war on Russia on August 1, 1914

The Path to War (August 2) Germany

declared war on France demanded Belgium give access to German troops Belgium denies

(August 4) Great Britain declared war on Germany

for violating Belgian neutrality

Perceptions about World War I (at the time)

Excitement – “defend against aggressors” Modern warfare would be quick (“Home by

Christmas” War a glorious adventure

Which side should the US pick?

•11 million German-Americans •Irish-Americans hated Great Britain

•Close cultural ties •Shared transatlantic cables (so censored stories)•Big business loaned much $ to allies

Central Powers:

Allies:

Nations 1914 1915 1916 Britain $594,271,863 $911,794,954 $1,526,685,102 France $159,818,924 $364,397,170 $628,851,988 Germany $344,794,276 $28,863,354 $288,899

US Exports to both sides:

US proclaims Neutrality

WAR – Schlieffen Plan

Schlieffen Plan – Germany’s military plan to avoid a two front war Invade France through Belgium (“Knock out

blow”) Defeat France, then concentrate on Eastern

Front Does not account for British mobilizing

quickly.

The Battle of the Marne the Marne dictates the

rest of the war Sept 5-12, 1914 Ends the German

offensive into France outskirts of Paris.

French stopped the Germans could not push back Stalemate

Soldiers dug trenches for shelter Begins four years of trench

warfare on the Western Front