WW1 Notes (1)_compressed PDF

Key Vocabulary: 1.​ Annexation​ The formal act of acquiring territory, as seen when Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, increasing tensions with Serbia and Russia. 2.​ Assassination​ The targeted killing of a prominent figure, such as the assassination...

Key Vocabulary: 1.​ Annexation​ The formal act of acquiring territory, as seen when Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, increasing tensions with Serbia and Russia. 2.​ Assassination​ The targeted killing of a prominent figure, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in 1914. 3.​ Ultimatum​ A final set of demands, like Austria-Hungary’s harsh ultimatum to Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. 4.​ Mobilization​ The process of assembling and preparing military forces for war, exemplified by Russia’s partial and then full mobilization before WWI. 5.​ Neutrality​ The state of not supporting or helping any side in a conflict, violated by Germany when it invaded neutral Belgium, prompting Britain to declare war. 6.​ Superpower​ A nation with dominant influence in international affairs, characterized by political stability, military strength, economic power, and resources, such as the UK, France, and Germany before WWI. 7.​ Congress of Vienna (1815)​ A meeting of the major European powers (Russia, Prussia, France, Austria-Hungary, and England) to restore balance and prevent future wars after the Napoleonic Wars. 8.​ Nationalism​ The belief in the superiority of one’s nation and the desire for national independence, which contributed to the tensions leading to WWI, particularly among Serbs. 9.​ Imperialism​ A policy of extending a country's political and economic power over other countries, a key cause of WWI due to rivalries over colonies. 10.​Colonialism​ The practice of acquiring control over another country, establishing settlements, and exploiting resources, distinct from the broader imperialism of the late 19th century. 11.​Scramble for Africa​ The rapid colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, driven by the desire for resources and strategic advantages. 12.​Social Darwinism​ The application of Darwin’s theories to justify imperialism and racial superiority, contributing to European expansionist policies. 13.​White Man’s Burden​ The belief that it was the duty of Europeans to civilize non-European societies, used to justify imperialism. 14.​Realpolitik​ A political system based on practical and realistic goals, as followed by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who initially opposed imperialism. 15.​Weltpolitik​ The foreign policy of German Kaiser Wilhelm II aimed at making Germany a world power through imperial expansion. 16.​Triple Alliance​ A military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to counterbalance the power of France and Russia. 17.​Triple Entente​ An alliance of France, Russia, and the British Empire formed to oppose the Triple Alliance and curb German aggression. 18.​Militarism​ The belief in building up strong armed forces, contributing to an arms race among European powers, particularly between the UK and Germany. 19.​Arms Race​ The competitive buildup of military resources and weapons, exemplified by the naval race between Britain and Germany. 20.​Pan-Slavism​ A nationalist movement advocating for the unity of Slavic peoples, supported by Russia and opposed by Austria-Hungary. 21.​Powder Keg of Europe​ A term describing the Balkans, where nationalist tensions created a volatile situation that contributed to the outbreak of WWI. 22.​Eastern Question​ The diplomatic issue concerning the fate of the territories of the weakening Ottoman Empire, leading to tensions among European powers. 23.​Sick Man of Europe​ A nickname for the declining Ottoman Empire due to its political instability and territorial losses. 24.​Dreadnought​ A type of battleship that symbolized the naval arms race between Britain and Germany before WWI. 25.​Balkan Wars (1912-1913)​ Conflicts in the Balkans that weakened the Ottoman Empire and increased Serbian nationalism, contributing to tensions leading to WWI. 26.​Blank Check​ Germany's unconditional support to Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, emboldening Austria to act against Serbia. 27.​Alliance System​ The network of agreements between nations to provide mutual support, which turned a regional conflict into a world war.  28.​The Eastern Front​ The theater of war between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia during WWI, characterized by large-scale battles and shifting fronts. 29.​The Western Front​ The main theater of war in Western Europe, characterized by trench warfare and a stalemate between Germany and the Allied forces. 30.​Trench Warfare​ A type of combat where soldiers fought from trenches facing each other, leading to prolonged stalemates and horrific conditions. 31.​No Man’s Land​ The dangerous area between opposing trenches, often filled with barbed wire and exposed to enemy fire. 32.​War of Attrition​ A strategy of wearing down the enemy through continuous losses in personnel and material rather than decisive battles. 33.​Conscription​ Mandatory enlistment of citizens into the military, widely implemented by many nations during WWI to meet the demands of total war. 34.​Total War​ A conflict in which a country mobilizes all of its resources—economic, industrial, and civilian—toward the war effort. 35.​Propaganda​ Information used to influence public opinion and boost morale, extensively employed during WWI to gain support for the war effort. Quick notes: The superpower that wanted Alsace-Lorraine back was France. ​ Alsace-Lorraine was taken from France by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 and was incorporated into the German Empire. ​ France was determined to regain the region, and this desire for its return was a major point of tension between the two nations in the years leading up to World War I. ​ Following Germany's defeat in World War I, France regained control of Alsace-Lorraine as part of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This loss of the region was one of the factors that fueled ongoing animosity between the two nations. Timeline of Events Leading to World War I 1878 – Congress of Berlin: ​ Austria-Hungary is given the right to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina, angering Serbia and Russia. 1908 – Bosnian Crisis: ​ Austria-Hungary formally annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina, increasing tensions with Serbia and Russia, while Germany backs Austria-Hungary. 1912-1913 – Balkan Wars: ​ Balkan states defeated the Ottoman Empire. Serbia gains power, alarming Austria-Hungary. A second war weakens Bulgaria but increases Serbian nationalism. June 28, 1914 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: ​ Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip kills the Austro-Hungarian heir in Sarajevo. July 23, 1914 – Austria-Hungary’s Ultimatum to Serbia: ​ Austria-Hungary issues harsh demands; Serbia agrees to most but not all. July 25, 1914 – Serbia Responds, Russia Begins Partial Mobilization: ​ Serbia’s response is seen as insufficient; Russia prepares for war in case Austria attacks Serbia. July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia: ​ First declaration of war in the conflict. July 30, 1914 – Russia Orders Full Mobilization: ​ Russia fully mobilizes, prompting German concerns. August 1, 1914 – Germany Declares War on Russia: ​ Germany sees Russian mobilization as an act of war. August 2, 1914 – Germany Invades Luxembourg: ​ Germany occupies neutral Luxembourg as part of its plan to attack France. August 3, 1914 – Germany Declares War on France: ​ Following the Schlieffen Plan, Germany prepares to invade Belgium to bypass French defences. August 4, 1914 – Germany Invades Belgium; Britain Declares War on Germany: ​ Germany violated Belgian neutrality; Britain, guaranteeing Belgium’s neutrality, declared war. August 6, 1914 – Austria-Hungary Declares War on Russia; Serbia Declares War on Germany:  ​ The war expands across Europe. August 17, 1914 – Russia Invades East Prussia: ​ Russian armies launch an offensive against Germany, opening the Eastern Front. What makes a country a superpower? ​ Political stability/ strong leadership ​ Population and territory: people and size ​ Economic capability: the degree of industrialization ​ Raw resources: many colonies that can provide resources ​ Military strength: the size of your army, navy, scale of weapons, etc. Congress of Vienna  ​ In 1815 the 5 major superpowers (Russia, Prussia, France, Austria-Hungary, and England) met at the Congress after the Napoleonic wars to establish a balance of power among themselves to prevent future war and conflict ○​ The borders of Europe are redrawn to restore and resize the main powers' territories to be fairly even ○​ Old monarchies and aristocracies remain in power as there was a lot of backlash against revolutionary ideas ○​ The leaders were conservatives with little use for republicanism or revolution, both of which threatened to upset the status quo in Europe ​ It kept peace in Europe for 100 years but only put a lid on the brewing nationalism States vs. Nations ​ “ A state can not exist without a nation but a nation can exist without a state” ​ STATE: territory considered an organized political community under one government – otherwise known as a “country”. ​ NATION: refers to a group of people who feel bound by shared culture, values, religion and/or language. ○​ Nations may exist within a state: Quebecois in Canada ○​ They can be stateless and spread amongst many countries like the Kurds ○​ Or be a nation-state: a state consisting of mainly only one nation like Japan ○​ Ex. other examples include the Panjabs and Pakistanis in north India, the Palestinians in Israel, and the Catalans in Spain Nationalism: ​ Originally: the idea of people creating a state of people who shared the same language, culture, symptoms, religion, and rule as themselves. They desire independence ​ Today: This definition has evolved to mean a feeling that your nation is superior and better than any other ​ Germany and Italy formed in the 1860s Age of Imperialism: ​ Definition: a policy of extending a country’s political and economic power and influence over another country through diplomacy or military force. ○​ A way to do this is by acquiring colonies ○​ South America had already gained independence during the early 1800’s so the only place left in 1885 was Africa. ​ Imperialism started due to economic needs (raw materials, markets, cheap labour), political and ​military competition (national prestige, strategic bases), nationalism (rivalries between powers), Social Darwinism and racism (belief in European superiority), and missionary efforts (spreading Christianity and Western values) Scramble for Africa: ​ Europeans wanted Africa for its vast resources, strategic location, and economic potential. ○​ Empire building was now fueled by new technology & industrialization: and needed inexpensive labour and resources: gold, diamonds, ivory, rubber, etc. ○​ Africa was left in shambles after the collapse of the slave trade (1860s) so easy to be taken over. ○​ New imperialism continued to be a way to extend your country’s power! ○​ Old imperialism focused more on European people settling in territories and  colonies. New imperialism emphasizes acquiring resources and inexpensive labour. ○​ The British Empire and France had the most colonies in Africa during imperialization Social Dawinsim/ White Man’s Burden ​ Charles Darwin Came out with The Origins Of Species in 1859 ○​ The book introduced the idea of survival of the fittest ○​ It gave a scientific basis for the white man’s responsibility (ie. burden) to civilize the world ○​ It justified racism and aligned with imperialistic policy as white people thought other races were inferior to them ○​ Darwin never explicitly advocated racism but the popular belief of “the survival of the fittest” arose (FYI: he never actually said this phrase) ​ The British dream for Africa was to “ensure” people who lived there became civilized like Europeans ○​ They believed the people in Africa did not know how to develop the wealth of resources or land ​ “The sun never sets on the British Empire” ○​ referred to the vastness of the British Empire, which spanned across multiple continents. ○​ Due to its global reach, at any given time, there was always at least one part of the empire in daylight. ○​ It symbolized Britain's immense colonial power and global dominance during the height of the empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Germany and Imperialism: ​ Originally, German Chancellor (president) Otto von Bismarck does not want colonies. ○​ He believed in following the policy of “realpolitik”: politics based on realistic goals and not idealism (ie. nationalism, imperialism) ○​ He also did not want to anger the UK by going after colonies they wanted or had ○​ But he was under pressure from military elites and the public for Germany to add some colonies therefore they could gain glory and money ​ Germany is a huge economic engine/superpower so the public and military elites wanted to take part in the Scramble for Africa – which is why they held the 1884 Berlin Conference which essentially authorized the colonization of Africa Conference In Berlin 1884: ​ it was a meeting between European superpowers to create rules on how to peacefully divide Africa among themselves for colonization. Basically to justify and authorize imperialism ​ The arms race was also happening and they were able to test their new technologies and weapons in the colonies (more on this in our next lesson). In other words, it was an opportunity to play out European rivalries outside of Europe. Weltpoltik ​ The new German Kaiser Wilhelm II, wanted Germany to be a world power on the scale of the UK (he removed Bismarck)  ○​ He institutes Weltpoltik: world policy based on imperialism ​ He is the Emperor (Kaiser) who dismissed Bismarck’s policy of maintaining the status quo/balance of power. ○​ He grew up in England and adored their Navy & Empire. He is the eldest grandchild of Queen Victoria and he was highly militaristic ○​ He sought glory and power. Thus, he was in favour of a world policy aimed at making Germany’s presence abroad equal to its new industrial might ​ Where Bismarck considered colonies a dangerous luxury given Germany’s geographic position, the Kaiser thought them indispensable for Germany’s future. ​ The Hammer or Anvil Speech serves as a metaphor ○​ It distinguishes between being the active force that shapes the world (the hammer) or the passive entity shaped by the world (the anvil) ○​ It means that Germany wanted as much power as other countries in terms of politics and colonies. Summary: ​ In the 19th century, Europe experienced intense nationalism, militarization, and imperial rivalries, as well as the unification of Germany and Italy, which disrupted the balance of power ​ The Industrial Revolution fueled arms races, while colonial competition heightened tensions ​ Alliances like the Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary) and the Triple Entente (France, British Empire, and Russian Empire) caused a divided and volatile political landscape where Germany wanted power ​ This set the stage for World War 1 Causes of World War 1: 1.​ Nationalism - the idea of people who share the same language, culture, customs, and religion and want to create a state of people ruled by themselves. They want independence from ruling countries/empires. Remember this statement, “a state can't exist without a nation, but a nation can exist without a state” ○​ Serbs were upset about Bosnia becoming part of the Austria-Hungary empire because Serbs saw Bosnia as culturally and historically tied to Serbia. ○​ Austria-Hungary’s 1908 annexation blocked Serbian unification efforts and was viewed as imperialist control over Slavic lands. This fueled tensions, leading to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and contributing to WWI. ○​ The assassination took place in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia ○​ Austria-Hungary is the modern-day home to a lot of countries including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Bosnia ○​ The Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire, and Austria-Hungarian Empire were considered weak at this time i.​ The Ottoman Empire was considered weak due to nationalist uprisings as it had a diverse population. The Balkan wars also led to them losing a lot of territory leaving them more vulnerable. ii.​ The Austro-Hunagrain empire weakened as it ruled over a vast number of ethnic groups, some of which wanted independence. Also, rising Pan-Slavism (Slavic nationalism), particularly among the Serbs which was encouraged by Russia posed a direct threat to the unity of the empire. The empire’s inability to address these demands led to political instability and rising tensions with Serbia  iii.​ The Russian empire weakened because despite its size and resources it faced significant internal challenges like poverty, poor infrastructure, and political unrest. It struggled to modernize its economy and political system. They also ruled the widespread dissatisfaction with Tsarist autocracy and economic inequality amplified many ethnicities who wanted independence and nationalist movements within the empire. Polish and Finnish independence movements gained momentum, threatening Russia’s territories. ○​ The Ottoman Empire was called the “Sick Man of Europe” because it was the weakest. It has been ruled by one family since 1453, but over time it lost more and more territory. By the 20th century, it had weakened considerably. Some new states formed (Albania, Greece, and Serbia) others were taken over by the A-H empire ○​ The Balkans were considered a “powder keg” of nationalism (a powder keg is a barrel of explosives, in a metaphorical sense it refers to an explosive situation) ○​ The decline Ottoman Empire could be responsible for World War 1 in many ways: i.​ The Eastern question: As the Ottoman Empire weakened, European powers (Russia, A-H Empire, Britain, and France) competed for control of the Ottoman territories, particularly in the Balkans and Middle East, which created tensions (the question refers to who would get the territories after the empire fell) ii.​ Nationalism in the Balkans: Nationalist movements in Ottoman-controlled territories (Serbia and Greece) pushed for independence leading to instability. Serbia’s rise as a powerful Slavic state clashed with the interest of the A-H empire, especially in the Balkan Wars (1912-1913) iii.​ Alliance and Power struggles: The weakening Ottoman Empire led to the formation of alliances, with Germany siding with the Ottomans. This further divided Europe into opposing alliance systems, which intensified rivalries and likely contributed to the war. 2.​ Alliance: an agrrement between 2 or more nations to help eachother during conflict or to accomplish a goal ○​ Triple Entente (France, Russian Empire, British Empire) vs. Triple Alliance (Germany, Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Italy) i.​ Purpose of the triple alliance: to provide the members wuth mutual defense against the growing powers of france and russia. It was meant to deter inavison by ensuring if one of the members was attacked, the others would provide military aid ii.​ Purpose of the triple entente: aimed to counterbalance the triple allianxe and curb german aggression. Loose agreement for mutual support, fostering against the growing military and poltical influence of germant and its allies, maintaing the balance of power in eurpoe. ○​ Russia allied with France because it needed loans and modern weapons ○​ France allied with russia because it needed their protection and military in case they were attacked by germany ○​ These alliances failed to prevent war because they deepened disvisons in erupeo, creating a rigid alliance system of opressing alliances. They also escalated tensions as any localised dispute - like the assination of archduke ferdinand - could drag all major superpowers into large wars due to mutual defense agreements. The inflexible alliance system made diplomacy less effective and war nearly envitable. 3.​ Militarism: The build up of a country’s armed forces and aramaments. There was an  arms race between states for the biggest and most powerful navy, particularyly between the UK and Germany ○​ The superopwers enaged in an arms war to assert dominace, protect their empires, and prepare for furture conflict ○​ Rising tensions fueled nationalism and imperial rivalries which led to mutual distrust which prompted nations to build large armies, stockpile weapons, and expand navy fleats. ○​ Britian got invovled as germany challenged their naval supremacy and they built the largest battleship ever the HMS dreadnought. Germany built the same boats by 1914. ○​ Video Notes: What caused the age of Imperialism: Understanding the Difference between Colonialism and Imperialism ​ Colonialism is primarily associated with the Age of Discovery (beginning around 1492) and focuses on establishing colonies, mainly in the Americas or as trading outposts. ​ Imperialism arose in the late 19th century, with a primary focus on colonizing Africa and parts of Asia. Key Motivations for the Age of Imperialism ​ Economic Reasons: ○​ The Industrial Revolution spurred demand for raw materials and new markets. ○​ European factories produced more goods than their domestic markets could absorb, driving the need for overseas markets. ○​ Securing inexpensive raw materials for manufacturing and finding markets for manufactured goods were essential economic incentives. ​ Diplomatic Reasons: ○​ Intense competition arose amongst European powers following German unification and the Franco-Prussian War. ○​ Colonial empires became symbols of a nation's power and prestige. ○​ The desire for colonies fueled the "scramble for Africa" and Asia. ​ Religious Motivations: ○​ Spreading Christianity and promoting a perceived "civilizing" mission were influential religious motivations. ○​ Missionary work aimed to convert indigenous populations to Christianity. ​ Ideological Justification: ○​ Social Darwinism, the theory of "survival of the fittest" applied to nations, justified imperialism. ○​ Europeans saw themselves as superior and the "White Man's Burden" concept rationalized colonization. Impact of the Scramble for Africa ​ European nations colonized virtually the entire African continent between 1880 and World War I.  ​ The Berlin Conference of 1884 formalized the division of Africa among European powers. ​ Ethiopia and Liberia remained independent, with Ethiopia resisting Italian colonization and Liberia serving as a U.S. protectorate. Role of Technological Advances ​ Germ Theory: Understanding germ theory allowed Europeans to combat diseases like malaria more effectively, improving survival rates in tropical areas. ​ Military Technology: ○​ Steamships facilitated inland access in Africa. ○​ Advanced weaponry, including machine guns, provided Europeans with a military advantage. ​ Communication Technology: ○​ Telegraph cables enabled faster communication between European powers and their colonies, facilitating control and governance. Consequences of Imperialism ​ Imperialism had profound effects on both colonized and colonizing regions. ​ The extensive colonization of Africa and Asia brought significant political, social, and economic shifts, effects still felt today. John Green Video Notes: ​ The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, heir to the throne, on June 28, 1914, triggered World War I. ​ Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, and other members of the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist group, assassinated the Archduke in Sarajevo. ​ The assassination occurred on the anniversary of the Serbs' defeat at Kosovo Polje in 1389 and on St. Vitus's Day, a significant Slavic nationalist date. ​ Franz Ferdinand was a moderate who may have been able to find a solution to the problems of Serbian expansion and Bosnian independence. ​ The assassination escalated tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. ​ Austria-Hungary's July 23rd ultimatum to Serbia was intentionally harsh, designed to provoke war. ​ Austria-Hungary hesitated, fearing Russian intervention, and sought German support. ​ Germany issued a "blank check" on July 5th or 6th, pledging support for Austria-Hungary if Russia intervened. ​ Russia began preparations for war on July 25th, though not formally mobilizing fully. ​ Serbia rejected Austria-Hungary's ultimatum on July 25th, attempting to negotiate. ​ Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28th, despite not being fully prepared. ​ Russia fully mobilized on July 30th, prompting a German response. ​ France mobilized in support of Russia on August 1st. Germany mobilized and declared war on Russia the same day.  ​ Germany declared war on France on August 3rd, aiming to invade through Belgium. ​ Belgium resisted the invasion on August 4th. Britain issued an ultimatum to Germany to leave Belgium. Germany's refusal led to Britain declaring war. World War I: A Quick Summary: ​ By August 4th, 1914, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Serbia, France, and Great Britain were involved in a full-scale war. ​ The war escalated rapidly from the assassination in Sarajevo. ​ Austria-Hungary and Serbia expected a more regional conflict.