World War One Unit 6 PDF - American University Of The Middle East

Unit 6 World War One Dr. Shalva Kikalishvili www.aum.edu.kw  World in Conflict World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918. During the conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the...

Unit 6 World War One Dr. Shalva Kikalishvili www.aum.edu.kw  World in Conflict World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and lasted until 1918. During the conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (The Central Powers) fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States (The Allied Powers). Thanks to new military technologies and the horrors of trench warfare, World War I saw unprecedented levels of carnage and destruction. By the time the war was over and the Allied Powers claimed victory, more than 16 million people—soldiers and civilians alike—were dead. The crisis came after a long and difficult series of diplomatic clashes between the Great Powers (Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Austria-Hungarian Empire and Russia) over European and colonial issues in the decade before 1914. www.aum.edu.kw  The Path to War and Revolution In 1890, Europe was globally dominant due to industrialization, yielding vast wealth and empires for nations like Britain, France, and Germany. As industrial powers competed, tensions grew, dividing Europe into hostile alliances and ultimately leading to catastrophic conflict. www.aum.edu.kw 3 The underlying causes for the war can be traced to: Acronym: MAIN Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism The 1890-1907 Diplomatic Revolution exacerbated tensions. Germany's unification shifted power, leaving France isolated and seeking revenge. Bismarck's diplomacy aimed to isolate France and prevent Austria-Russia conflict in the Balkans. www.aum.edu.kw 4  Militarism The Armament Race. The Armament Race prioritized military forces, with both France and Germany doubling their armies between 1870 and 1914. Britain and Germany competed for naval supremacy, while Germany and France devised aggressive plans against each other. This led to widespread mobilization and fear of attack. The German commander Von Schlieffen also drew up a plan of action that involved attacking France through Belgium if Russia made an attack on Germany. The French also devised the Plan 17 to launch an attack on Germany. All countries began to mobilize their armies fearing an attack. www.aum.edu.kw 5  European Alliances and Crises, 1905–1914 The Diplomatic Revolution of 1890–1907 divided Europe into two approximately equivalent alliance systems: the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries to give each other help in case of attack by a third party. When an alliance is signed, those countries become known as Allies. The Triple Alliance 1882 occupied a central position on the continent, surrounded by the nations of The Triple Entente 1907. www.aum.edu.kw 6 Alliances in the Great War The opposing alliances of the Great War covered most of the globe. www.aum.edu.kw 7  Imperialism Imperialism involves taking over new territories. By 1900, British and French empires expanded significantly, driven by industrialization. Intense rivalries emerged, particularly between Germany and Britain, as Germany's industrial growth threatened British dominance. This competition fueled colonial expansion. www.aum.edu.kw 8  Nationalism Nationalism supports a country's rights and interests. The Congress of Vienna left Germany and Italy divided, but strong nationalism led to their unification in the 1870s. France resented losing Alsace-Lorraine to Germany, and diverse nationalist groups in Austria-Hungary and Serbia sought independence. The idea of nation-states gained popularity but remained unresolved in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. www.aum.edu.kw 9 The Crisis of July 1914 - Immediate Cause of the War In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand's visit to Sarajevo sparked anger, leading to his assassination by Gavrilo Princip. Austria sought German support before confronting Serbia, receiving a "blank check" from Kaiser William II. Austria issued a harsh ultimatum, which Serbia tried to appease. However, on July 28, Austria declared war on Serbia, and within a week, opposing alliances formed, marking the beginning of World War I. www.aum.edu.kw 10 Why Did Franz Ferdinand Visit Sarajevo? Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary visited Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, as part of a state visit with the following objectives: Military Inspection: ○ The Archduke, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was inspecting Austro-Hungarian military exercises in nearby Bosnia. ○ His presence was meant to demonstrate the strength and authority of Austria-Hungary in the region. Symbolic Gesture: ○ The visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was intended to showcase Austro-Hungarian rule over the territories annexed in 1908. ○ It aimed to affirm control over a region with rising Serbian nationalist sentiments, as Bosnia had a significant Serbian population. Public Diplomacy: ○ Franz Ferdinand sought to gain local support by presenting himself as a reformer. ○ He favored granting greater autonomy to Slavic peoples within the empire, which was controversial among both Austro- Hungarian elites and nationalist groups. www.aum.edu.kw 11 www.aum.edu.kw 12  Brief Timeline of The War July 28, 1914- Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia July 31, 1914- Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary (as Russia protects Serbia) August 1, 1914- Germany, declares war on Russia (as an ally of Austria-Hungary) War begins: August 4, 1914- Germany invades Belgium, signaling the real beginning of WWI. August 6, 1914- Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia August 12, 1914: France and GB declare war on Germany and Austria-Hungary August 23, 1914, Japan declares war on Germany and joins the Triple entente- ambitions in China Sept 5-10, 1914- First battle of the Marne halts German invasion of France Jan 1915 - German Air raids of London begin May 7, 1915- Sinking of the Lusitania, a passenger ship carrying Americans, by a German U-boat March 15, 1917- Tsar Nicholas of Russia abdicates April 6, 1917- U.S. declares war against Germany (Entry of USA into the WAR) Nov 7, 1917- Russian revolution, U.S.S.R. (Exit of Russia from the War) Nov 9, 1918- Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and Germany forms Weimar Republic Nov 11, 1918- Armistice is signed ending WWI –treaty negotiations begin June 28, 1919- Treaty of Versailles is signed www.aum.edu.kw 13  The Western Front and casualties Under the Schlieffen Plan, Germany fought on two fronts in WWI, invading Belgium and confronting Russia. After initial battles, the war became a stalemate by late 1914, with significant losses on all sides. In 1915, Germany shifted forces eastward, leading to trench warfare along the Western Front, where both German and French forces dug in. www.aum.edu.kw 14  Famous Sea Battles - Battles of the Marne The Western Front deadlock led to a "race to the sea," ending in mid-November. In the First Battle of the Marne (Sept 6-9, 1914), French and British forces halted the German advance. On July 15, 1918, Germany launched its last offensive in the Second Battle of the Marne, which was repelled by the Allies, who then counterattacked successfully. Impact: The Marne battles bookended WWI in many ways: the first prevented a swift German victory, while the second ensured the Allies' ultimate triumph, shaping the war's trajectory and its resolution. www.aum.edu.kw 15  The Verdun, Somme, Brusilov Battle of Verdun (1916): ○ Longest battle; symbol of French resilience. ○ Heavy casualties (700,000+) with minimal territorial gains. ○ Drained resources, showcased the brutality of attrition warfare. Battle of the Somme (1916): ○ Joint British-French offensive; introduced tanks. ○ Over 1 million casualties, one of the bloodiest battles. ○ Diverted German forces, easing pressure on Verdun. Brusilov Offensive (1916): ○ Russian breakthrough; innovative tactics. ○ Crippled Austria-Hungary, forced German troop diversion. ○ Contributed to political instability in Russia. Impact: These battles highlighted the stalemates, technological evolution, and massive human cost of WWI, shaping its ultimate outcome. www.aum.edu.kw 16  Japan Vs Germany In 1914 August 3 Japan declared neutrality. As Britain wanted to complicate German situation in China, where German merchant but armed ships present, they asked for a help from Japan. In August 7-8 Japanese cabinet decided to declare war on Germany and move to aluminate German influence in China and the Pacific. On August 23, Japan entered war on its own terms. They have attacked the city of Qingdao and overtook it in November 7. www.aum.edu.kw 17 Japan in World War I Motivations in WWI: Alliance with Britain: Japan was part of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902), which obligated it to support Britain in case of war. Opportunity for Expansion: WWI provided Japan a chance to seize German-controlled territories in China (Shandong Peninsula) and the Pacific islands. Strategic Interests: By siding with the Allies, Japan sought to solidify its position as a major regional power in East Asia. Key Actions and Impact: Declared war on Germany in 1914 and quickly captured German colonies. Gained territories through the Treaty of Versailles (1919), although its imperial ambitions (e.g., the "Twenty-One Demands" on China) created tensions with Western powers. www.aum.edu.kw  THE GREAT WAR IN AFRICA, 1914–1918 Germany's African colonies had minimal impact on European fighting but housed wireless stations for communication. Allies aimed to destroy these stations and seize the colonies. Notably, German East Africa saw significant fighting under Colonel von Lettow- Vorbeck until after the 1918 armistice. www.aum.edu.kw 19  The United States Enters the War Woodrow Wilson, president of the neutral United States, tried to end the war late in 1916 by asking both sides to state the terms they needed to ensure their future security. Results were disappointing: each alliance presented uncompromising demands that were mutually exclusive. On January 31, 1917, Wilson’s worries grew stronger as Germans unleashed U-Boat warfare. May 7, 1915 - Sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship carrying Americans, by a German U-boat (Though Lusitania was carrying weapons) also had an influence on USA. Anti German Propaganda in the USA April 6, 1917- U.S. declares war against Germany www.aum.edu.kw 20  Toward Armistice By the fall of 1918, the Central Powers were separating on all fronts. Austria-Hungary, dissolving from within due to growing nationalist movements among its diverse population, reached an armistice on November 4. Facing dwindling resources on the battlefield, discontent on the home front and the surrender of its allies, Germany was finally forced to seek an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. www.aum.edu.kw 21  The treaty of Versailles - 1919 War Guilt Clause (Clause 231): Germany had to accept full responsibility for starting the war. Therefore, she had to pay war reparations, to pay for the damage done to the infrastructure by the war. The Germans were to pay £6,600 million - a huge sum of money well beyond Germany’s ability to pay. Land was taken away from Germany and given to France, Belgium, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia were created from land occupied by Germany. All Germany's overseas colonies were taken away German army was reduced to 100,000 men. The army was not allowed tanks, no air force, no submarines. The west of the Rhineland a demilitarized zone (DMZ). No German soldier or weapon was allowed into this zone. The Allies were patrol the west bank of the Rhine for 15 years. www.aum.edu.kw 22  The treaty of Versailles - 1919 Germany lost vital industrial territory in the Saar Valley, impairing its economic recovery. Reparations further bankrupted the country. Unification with Austria was forbidden, limiting Germany's economic potential. The League of Nations was established for global peace, but Germans were angered by the forced treaty they had to sign. www.aum.edu.kw 23  Further Treaties The Treaty of Saint Germain and Trianon 1919: Austria-Hungary was divided, with Austria signing the Treaty of Saint Germain and Hungary signing the Treaty of Trianon. Both lost land to neighbors, creating Czechoslovakia and granting territories to Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia. Italy gained a part of Austria. Both countries had to reduce their military and pay war reparations. Treaty of Neuilly 1919: was signed with Bulgaria by which she lost land to the new state of Yugoslavia, had to reduce her military capability and had to pay reparations. The Treaty of Sevres 1920: signed with Turkey which was a very harsh treaty. Turkey lost most of her land in Europe. The Turkish Straits was put under the control of the League of Nations. www.aum.edu.kw  Wilson’s 14 points In 1918 President Wilson of the USA forwarded 14 points for a just and enduring post war peace settlement. The main points were 1. All agreements hence forth should be open covenants of peace 2. Freedom of navigation on the seas in war and peace 3. Removal of all economic barriers 4. Equality of trade conditions among all nations 5. Reduction in national armaments 6. An association of nations to maintain peace in the world. 7. Adjustment of colonial disputes 8. Recognition of nationalist aspirations of colonial people However though Wilson intended that the peace settlement should be based on the 14 points and should be just and fair towards victors and losers, the final peace settlement of Versailles was a celebration of the victorious powers. www.aum.edu.kw 25  Wilson’s 14 points Key Highlights: Open diplomacy without secret treaties. Freedom of the seas in peace and war. Removal of economic barriers and trade equality. Reduction of military arms. Self-determination for oppressed peoples. Formation of a global organization: League of Nations to resolve disputes. Objective: Create a framework to prevent future wars and establish a just peace. www.aum.edu.kw 26 Impact and Importance of the 14 Points Immediate Impact: Served as a foundation for the Treaty of Versailles (1919). Inspired liberation movements and fueled the idea of self-determination globally. Significance: Introduced the concept of collective security through the League of Nations. Represented an idealistic approach to diplomacy and peacebuilding. Challenges and Legacy: Many points were compromised during negotiations. The U.S. Senate rejected the League of Nations, limiting its influence. Despite its partial implementation, Wilson's vision shaped the United Nations' development in 1945. www.aum.edu.kw  The consequences of the treaties The Treaties seemed to satisfy the "Big Three" as it kept Germany and Austria weak; kept the French border with Germany safe from another attack and created the League of Nations that would end warfare throughout the world. However, it left a mood of anger throughout Germany, Austria and Turkey as it was felt that the losers of the war had been unfairly treated. Germany hated the clause blaming her for the cause of the war and the resultant humiliation. War reparations destroyed the economies of these countries and gave rise to socialism and dictatorships. www.aum.edu.kw