First World War Causes and Sarajevo Incident

First World War Background Causes

• Armaments race: Countries competed to build bigger navies and armies, increasing suspicion and tensions. This fueled a belief that war would be won quickly.
• Alliance system: Alliances (groups of countries) promised mutual support triggered a domino effect – an attack on one member would draw in all allies. This increased the risk of a small conflict escalating into a larger war.
• Colonial competition: Great powers jostled for colonies, resources, and overseas markets. Conflicts arose over these resources, which could escalate into wider conflicts if allied countries were involved.
• Extreme nationalism: Intense patriotism fueled a desire for territory and supremacy. Countries pursued their own goals, increasing distrust and tension.

Sarajevo Incident and Start of WWI

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist.
• Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, demanding they punish those involved.
• Serbia initially didn’t fully comply, setting the stage for conflict.
• The alliance system drew other countries into a war, beginning the First World War.

Course of WWI

• The conflict started with alliances of nations triggering each other, leading to a larger scale of fighting.
• Germany’s Schlieffen Plan failed, leading to a stalemate.
• Key battles and events characterized the conflict.
• Russia faced communist revolution and withdrew from the conflict, later joining on the allied side.
• The US joined allied in WWI.
• Austria-Hungary and Germany were defeated.

Impact of WWI and Paris Peace Conference

• Huge losses and casualties: Massive loss of life and economic devastation. Russia suffered the most casualties among European nations.
• Paris Peace Conference: A meeting of Allied powers to determine post-war policies and territorial adjustments.
• Key figures (e.g., Clemenceau, Lloyd George, Wilson): Each represented a country and had varying goals for the outcome of the conference, particularly regarding Germany’s treatment.
• Treaty of Versailles: A peace treaty imposed on Germany, demanding severe conditions (i.e., disarmament, reparations, and land cessions). This greatly impacted Germany's post war development.

1920-1929

• Economic troubles: Worldwide economic instability followed the war (e.g. The Great Depression).
• Political/social unrest: The aftermath of the war led to political issues and social unrest and in many nations.
• Anti-war sentiment: People and governments wanted to prevent another war.

Rise of Totalitarianism

• Define: Totalitarian countries had one-party rule, limited individual freedoms, and a strong cult of personality. Key characteristics included a single political party, and a cult of personality around a leader
• Key countries: Germany, Italy, and Japan all adopted totalitarian governments in this era.

Appeasement Policy

• Policy to avoid war by giving into demands of aggressor countries, to buy time for rearmament. Giving into demands allowed more time to rearm
• Consequences: Encouraged aggressive behaviors by other countries. Appeasement didn’t prevent the conflict; rather, it allowed time for Germany to remilitarize which in turn led to the start of World War II.
• Key figures and events (e.g., Munich Conference, invasion of Czechoslovakia): The appeasement policy was tried with Germany, but failed.

Start of the Second World War

• Germany's invasion of Poland: This act triggered the start of WWII.
• Allied and Axis Powers: The opposing sides in the war
• Key events and figures: The war featured major battles, alliances, and turning points.

Explore the significant background causes leading to the First World War, including the arms race, alliances, colonial competition, and nationalism. Delve into the pivotal Sarajevo incident that catalyzed the conflict. Assess how these elements intertwined to create a landscape ripe for war.