Detailed Notes on World War I

Resource Description

Imperialism:

• the label ‘imperialist’ was often proudly used by politicians.
• imperialistic ideas of ‘brave’ white men defeating ‘savages’ to gain their land and fortune were taught to children, numbing them to the brutal reality of ‘the civilising mission’.
• counties raced to obtain more land
• Imperialism poisoned the relations between Germany and Britain
• Imperialism: A determined and often aggressive desire to expand a nation’s interests and influence through the acquisition of colonies, rivalry and tension between the great powers. Also known as the grab for colonies/spheres of influence
  • Raw materials ? Massive, industrialised military
  • Access to bigger populations (army)
  • National pride and prestige
  • Prevented other powers from acquiring colonies
• German imperial ambitions
  • Kaiser Wilhelm II pursued a much more aggressive imperial policy (Weltpolitik)
    • Support of officer corps and most German people
  • Belief that Germany deserved and had the right to actively acquire an empire ASAP
    • One of the most powerful nations of Europe, way to increase their wealth
  • Large navy was needed to conquer the colonies and keep them under control
  • Build-up of navy, imperial ambitions = Fear and suspicion amongst other EU countries

Nationalism:

• can be equated to patriotism
• pride in a country’s achievements, and loyalty to ones nation
• convinced many men to fight for God, the king, and the country.
• can also divide a country or nation.
• spread of education made it easy for the government to promote nationalist thinking to children
• closely linked with respect for the military and pride in military power

Militarism:

• military plays a major role in the development of government policy
• military has more respect and honour over other groups in society
• In Germany, The Kaiser identified himself with the army. Stated he trusted the army
• Between 1870 and 1914, military spending increased by 300%

Alliances:

• Central Powers consist of Austria-Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. Important Allied Powers are Serbia, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and the United States.
• Stages of the Triple Alliance
  • Dual (1879): Germany and Austria-Hungary, helping each other if attacked
  • Triple (1882): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
• Stages of the Triple Entente
  • Franco-Russian Alliance (1892): Prospect of being defeated by Triple Alliance
  • Entente Cordiale (1904): Britain and France
  • Triple Entente (1907): Britain, France, Russia
• Franco-Italian Accord (1902): Agreements concerning Mediterranean, could potentially undermine good relations of the Triple Alliance 

July Crisis

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand (June 28th)

• Black Hand: Secret paramilitary organisation who aimed to free all South Slavic people living under foreign domination and to unite them to form one nation (Kingdom of Serbia)
• Serbian supported many secret societies due to their pro-Serbian aims
• Failed assassination attempts and changes to original route ? Assassination
• Austrian police investigations: Link b/n Gavrilo Princip, the Black Hand, Serbian government
• Austro-Hungarian govt: Demanded compensation for assassination of heir to Austrian throne
  • Wanted to permanently end any threat posed by the Serbians (taking over)

Germany’s ‘blank cheque’ (July 5th)

• Gave unwavering support to any Austrian action in regards to Serbia
• Promise of full support from Germany (any action they felt necessary/appropriate)
  • Did not seek clarification as to how the Austrians planned to proceed

Austrian ultimatum to Serbia (July 23rd)

• Harsh ultimatum demanding a series of claims incl. end of Serbian independence
• Did not expect Serbians to agree ? Used refusal as excuse to declare war on them
• Serbians sought and received Russia’s pledge of support if war broke out w/ Austrians
  • Russia ordered partial mobilisation of their army against Austria-Hungary              (takes time to fully mobilise-size, backward transport/communication systems)

Reasons for the stalemate on the Western Front

• Modification and failure of the Schlieffen plan
  • Schlieffen original plan was flawed as it underestimated the:
    • Strength of the Russians
    • Near panic that their advance would cause in Berlin
    • Power of Belgian resistance
    • Effectiveness of the British Expeditionary Force
    • Importance of the French railway system in bringing up reserves
  • German plan to capture Paris through Belgium and northern France impeded by Belgian, French and British resistance
  • Forced to retreat after the Battle of Marne and dig in for Winter
• Race to the sea
  • Forces unable to outflank (manoeuvre around) one another
  • All attacks were frontal, visible by enemy forces and predictable
• Rigid plans enforced by military generals on officers at the front
  • Senior commanders were elderly and narrow-minded
  • Reinforced a ‘war of attrition’ ? mass frontal attacks and heavy artillery barrage until mass casualties collapsed enemy morale
• Modern weaponry