Chapter 1: Roadmap to the First World War

Chapter 1: Roadmap to the First World War

• Britain: Strongest navy, numerous colonies, followed a policy of "splendid isolation," disliked France, and suspicious of Germany.
• Germany: Victory in the Franco-Prussian War led to unification and caused resentment in France. They desired revenge and sought to expand their influence.
• France: Seeking revenge against Germany for the loss of Alsace-Lorraine, and felt threatened by British and German expansion.
• Austria-Hungary: Multi-national empire, sought to expand into the Balkans, and faced challenges from Slavic independence movements.
• Russia: Sought to expand into the Balkans, particularly to gain a warm-water port, and to unify Slavic peoples.
• Italy: Compared to other great powers, economically and militarily weaker. Wanted colonies and to expand in the Mediterranean.
• Part 3: Relationship map needed to be drawn linking the powers.

Chapter 2: Causes of the First World War: Formation of rival military alliances

• Alliance System: European powers were reluctant to resolve conflicts peacefully, believing that allies would provide military support. This created a system of international tensions.
• Origins of the Alliance System: Otto Von Bismarck aimed to isolate France and prevent a two-front war for Germany by forming alliances with Austria-Hungary and Russia. The Three Emperors' League was an initial agreement between the three monarchies, however, broke in 1887.

Chapter 3: Causes of the First World War: Scramble for colonies among the powers

• CORN: Cheap labour force, overseas markets, raw materials, national glory were driving forces behind the colonial competition.

Chapter 4: Causes of the First World War: Growth of extreme nationalism

• Extreme Nationalism: Unquestionable loyalty to the nation, national pride fueled by expansion, and the belief that war is inevitable.
• Forms of Extreme Nationalism: The desire for revenge (after Franco-Prussian war), Pan-Germanism (unification of Germans), Pan-Slavism (unification of Slavs), and Greater Serbia Movement (unification of Serbs).
• Nationalism and WWI: Extreme nationalistic sentiment promoted foreign expansion, strained relations between European powers, and created an atmosphere conducive to war.

Chapter 5: Causes of the First World War: Armaments race among the great powers

• Military Strength: Countries sought to expand their military capabilities through conscription, strategic planning, and development of new weapons (like fighter aircraft and submarines). They also built powerful battleships (dreadnoughts) to project power.
• Naval Race: Britain and Germany competed in a naval arms race, prioritizing naval strength to defend their coasts, protect their extensive empires, and protect their trade routes.

Chapter 6: International crises before the outbreak of WWI: Crises in North Africa

• Colonization of Morocco: Both France and Britain desired to colonize Morocco, driven by its strategic value and rich natural resources. Conflicts between these powers threatened European peace. Negotiations were conducted during the Moroccan Crises.

Chapter 7: Sarajevo Incident and the outbreak of WWI

• Sarajevo Assassination: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist.
• Ultimatum and Hostilities: Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which Serbia could not accept in full. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a series of escalating alliances and mobilizations among the European powers.
• Steps Leading to War: (S.U.M): Support (Austria getting support from Germany), Ultimatum issuance, and subsequent mobilization and declarations of war.

Chapter 8: The Main Development of the WWI

• Schlieffen Plan: Germany's strategy to avoid a two-front war was to quickly defeat France, then focus on Russia.
• Eastern and Western Fronts: Germany faced fighting on both Eastern and Western fronts against Russia and the Allied Powers (Britain and France).
• Use of Modern Weapons: Airplanes and tanks were first used during the war.
• Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: In an effort to cut off Britain's supplies, Germany adopted unrestricted submarine warfare.
• American Entry: The United States entered the war in April 1917, bolstering the Allied side.
• End of the War: Several central powers surrendered, and Germany signed an armistice in November 1918.

Chapter 9: The Peace Arrangement: Paris Peace Conference

• Peace Negotiations: The Versailles Treaty was the result of the Paris Peace Conference following WWI.
• Conference Location & Attendees: France was the preferred location for the Peace Conference. Major Allied powers participated, but Germany and other defeated nations were not included.
• Outcome: The Treaty of Versailles included harsh penalties for Germany, who was blamed for the war. The result of the treaty led to severe economic hardships and resentment in Germany.

Explore the key players and dynamics leading to the First World War in this quiz. Understand the relationships and tensions between major powers like Britain, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy. Assess how these factors contributed to the global conflict.