World History: Beginning of World War I

Beginning of World War I

• At the start of the 20th century, the Balkans was a region of significant instability in Europe, with competing influences from the Ottomans, Austria-Hungary, and Russia.
• The Balkans were considered unstable due to the presence of multiple ethnic groups and competing desires among these powers for control.
• Austria-Hungary viewed Serbia as a source of instability and a threat to its own power.
• Serbia had experienced significant growth in power following the Balkan Wars of 1912-13.

Direct Causes of World War I

• Serbia was viewed as rebellious and was under the control of Austria-Hungary, who regarded it as a dangerous source of unrest.
• On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
• The assassination sparked a chain reaction with Austria-Hungary issuing an ultimatum to Serbia.
• Serbia's response was deemed unsatisfactory, leading to the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary.

The Black Hand

• The Black Hand was a Serbian military society that supported Serbian nationalism.
• Members of the society believed Bosnia should be part of a Greater Serbia.
• Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Chain Reaction Leading to War

• Following the assassination, the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary) quickly made a decision to initiate war, agreeing on the terms of an ultimatum to be sent to Serbia.
• The Central Powers issued an ultimatum that required Serbia to respond within 48 hours. A key concern in the ultimatum was the possible mediation of other major European powers.
• Belgrade, the Serbian capital, was bombed on July 28, 1914, after the Serbian government failed to fully accept Austria-Hungary's demands.

Indirect Causes of World War I

• Nationalism: intense loyalty and devotion to one's nation
• Imperialism: a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
• Militarism: a belief in the importance of military strength.
• Alliances: the agreement among nations or groups of nations who pledge to support one another.

Imperialism

• Imperialism is when a nation expands its power by controlling other territories for resources and economic growth.
• Imperialistic leaders often saw war as a means of asserting national power.

Militarism

• Industrialization during the 19th and 20th centuries led to powerful, mass armies.
• Advances in technology led to new weaponry, increasing tensions.
• Military expansion and preparedness raised the climate of political tension.

Mobilization

• Mobilization is the process of assembling troops and supplies for war.
• At the time it was considered an aggressive act.
• The mobilization of troops was a significant escalation in the crisis.

Alliances

• System of alliances, dividing the powers into the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, amplified tensions.
• Alliances drew specific nations into conflict quickly due to pledges of assistance.