Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Nationalism

• Germany aimed to expand influence in Morocco in the early 20th century, escalating European tensions
• Other countries, especially France and Britain, strengthened alliances against Germany because of this,
• Germany's Weltpolitik strategy was considered risky and provocative
• By 1911, Britain, France, and Russia formed stronger naval agreements, shifting the balance of power against Germany
• The German press voiced concerns of being surrounded by hostile nations
• By 1912, Germany saw its ambitions stalling due to perceived weakness

Austrian Empire Context

• Established after the 1815 Congress of Vienna, the German Confederation included multiple German states, with Austria and Prussia as dominant
• Nationalism was a notable issue in the 19th century
• Different ethnic groups in the empire wanted cultural recognition & political rights, which increased tension

Nationalism's Impact

• Groups like Czechs, Hungarians, and Serbs wanted independence or greater autonomy
• Governing became difficult as any satisfaction of one group upset another
• The desire for equality and independence led to a fragmented political landscape, increasing instability

Threat from Serbia

• Serbia's encouragement of Slavic populations in Austria to seek independence was seen as a threat
• Austria feared that if Serbia expanded, it would inspire other nationalities within the empire to rebel

Foreign Policy Goals

• Austria aimed to keep strong ties with main ally Germany to strengthen position against rising nationalist movements
• Suppressing nationalism was attempted through political & military means, leading to tensions with neighbors

Tensions Rise

• Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908, under Turkish control
• Causing upset in Europe, especially Serbia and Russia
• Austria-Hungary was backed by Germany, intensifying tensions
• Serbia, feeling threatened, called for action against Austria resulting in protests and calls for war

Power Dynamics

• Germany warned that they would mobilize if Russia did, pressuring Russia to back down
• Austria-Hungary was ready to confront Serbia, confident in Germany's support
• The annexation fuelled nationalist sentiments among Slavs (like Serbs and Croats) who wanted a united Greater Serbia

Conflicts in the Balkans

• Serbia sought to expand by attacking Albania, which concerned Austria-Hungary
• Austria demanded Serbia withdraw troops from Albania and pushed for Albania's independence
• The Treaty of London in 1913 resulted
• Serbia felt isolated after the Balkan Wars and lacked support from Russia when facing Austria

Alliances in Crisis

• Balkan tensions risked dragging in major powers due to pre-existing alliances
• Germany supported Austria
• Russia supported Serbia
• France was allied with Russia
• Britain hinted they wouldn't stay neutral in a large conflict
• German military leaders advised the Kaiser to prepare for war

Assassination & Nationalism

• In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip
• The event shocked Austria-Hungary and was viewed as an attack on their empire
• Nationalism involves people wanting to form nations based on shared identity
• People in the Balkans, including Serbs, wanted independence from empires like Austria-Hungary

Serbia's Role & Ultimatum

• Austria-Hungary thought Serbia supported nationalist groups undermining control, especially in regions like Bosnia
• After the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued a harsh ultimatum to Serbia, demanding actions to punish those involved and curb nationalist activities
• Serbia accepted most, but not all, demands

War Declaration & Escalation

• Seeing Serbia's response as insufficient, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914
• With German backing, they acted decisively
• The conflict escalated as other countries got involved, leading to World War I
• Russia supported Serbia, and Germany supported Austria-Hungary, creating a complex web of alliances

Treaty of Versailles

• After the war, the Treaty of Versailles included Article 231, known as the War Guilt Clause
• Blamed Germany for starting the conflict, which shaped many people's views
• Some historians believe blaming Germany alone was unfair because other Great Powers contributed to the tensions

Weltpolitik & Balkan Tensions

• Weltpolitik was Germany's foreign policy aimed at expanding its influence - The refusal to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia in 1890 signalled a shift towards an aggressive stance
• Decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Serbia created instability in the Balkans,
• Resulting in Austria-Hungary's concern about Serbian ambitions, especially after Serbia gained territory after the Balkan war of 1913

Crisis of 1913

• Serbia's military actions raised tensions, leading Austria-Hungary to issue ultimatums
• Both Austria and Russia were wary of war, so a temporary peace resulted
• Germany assured Austria-Hungary of its support against Russia, escalating the situation when war broke out

Serbia & Austria-Hungary

• Serbia wanted to expand its influence in the Balkans
• Particularly concerning territories controlled by Austria-Hungary, leading to conflicts and ultimately contributing to war's outbreak

Summary

• While Germany had a significant role in the buildup to World War I, complex interactions among all Great Powers contributed to the war
• Understanding these dynamics can help clarify how conflict developed out of national ambitions and fears
• Austria-Hungary's aggressive policies isolated it and left it vulnerable to united opposition from other European powers