The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the throne in Austro-Hungary. Stopping to tour around the country of Sarajevo, he encounters one of seven conspirators, Gabrinovic. Gabrinovic threw a bomb at the car with the Archduke and his wife but it rolled off the side and effected some police officers and bystanders. The archduke, Franz Ferdinand and his wife were advised to leave the province immediately but on one turn, where they were forced to slow down, and this is where Princip was found loitering. Princip seized the opportunity and fired two shots, killing both Franz Ferdinand and his expecting wife. They both bled out frantically and ended up dying within the hour.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the throne in Austro-Hungary. Stopping to tour around the country of Sarajevo, he encounters one of seven conspirators, Gabrinovic. Gabrinovic threw a bomb at the car with the Archduke and his wife but it rolled off the side and effected some police officers and bystanders. The archduke, Franz Ferdinand and his wife were advised to leave the province immediately but on one turn, where they were forced to slow down, and this is where Princip was found loitering. Princip seized the opportunity and fired two shots, killing both Franz Ferdinand and his expecting wife. They both bled out frantically and ended up dying within the hour.
Germany’s engagement in Colonization
In 1899, Bulow, a German political figure speaks to all their European rivalries. Bulow says that Germany will not longer avail in the colonization of different regions in the World, that they will not longer sit on the sit on the sidelines. He goes on to speak about several European Colonies and how they have expanded and how it was now Germany’s turn. With not only a blossoming population, but factories also, they needed to colonize to gain more land and raw materials. Bulow also speaks about Germany's new found interest in several regions of the World now, and how they will now colonize them. Imperialism took a great effect on several countries leading up to the World War. Several empires needed to colonize to spread their empire to gain land, to gain raw materials, all which will help economically. With so many empires wanting to thrive, Imperialism was definitely a major cause of the First World War. By the end of the First World War, Germany did end up loosing more land than they wanted.
In 1899, Bulow, a German political figure speaks to all their European rivalries. Bulow says that Germany will not longer avail in the colonization of different regions in the World, that they will not longer sit on the sit on the sidelines. He goes on to speak about several European Colonies and how they have expanded and how it was now Germany’s turn. With not only a blossoming population, but factories also, they needed to colonize to gain more land and raw materials. Bulow also speaks about Germany's new found interest in several regions of the World now, and how they will now colonize them. Imperialism took a great effect on several countries leading up to the World War. Several empires needed to colonize to spread their empire to gain land, to gain raw materials, all which will help economically. With so many empires wanting to thrive, Imperialism was definitely a major cause of the First World War. By the end of the First World War, Germany did end up loosing more land than they wanted.
Militarism
Militarism was a desire of a colony to maintain the strongest military power incase they need to defend themselves. A dreadnought was a new battleship at the time, there was nothing on the market that had even half of it's power. The first dreadnought was launched by the British but soon after, the Germans made their own. Once Germany was planning their dreadnought, they arms race was on and tensions between Great Britain and Germany had risen. From 1906, when Great Britain launched their first Dreadnought, until 1914, the production of these battleships increased immensely. This shows that there was definitely an arms race between Germany and Great Britain. These two empires were not only fighting over who had the most modernized arms, but who had more control over the sea. Belgium, a small country located right next to Germany and across Great Britain. Germany colonizing Belgium was seen as a huge threat to Great Britain and so control over the sea would mean they would have an advantage over Germany. The Arms race as it is was definitely a contribution to the First World War because all of the colonies wanted to be the strongest military power, and have the strongest weapons which led to a lot of tensions between several countries. Both France and Britain enlarged their armies.
Militarism was a desire of a colony to maintain the strongest military power incase they need to defend themselves. A dreadnought was a new battleship at the time, there was nothing on the market that had even half of it's power. The first dreadnought was launched by the British but soon after, the Germans made their own. Once Germany was planning their dreadnought, they arms race was on and tensions between Great Britain and Germany had risen. From 1906, when Great Britain launched their first Dreadnought, until 1914, the production of these battleships increased immensely. This shows that there was definitely an arms race between Germany and Great Britain. These two empires were not only fighting over who had the most modernized arms, but who had more control over the sea. Belgium, a small country located right next to Germany and across Great Britain. Germany colonizing Belgium was seen as a huge threat to Great Britain and so control over the sea would mean they would have an advantage over Germany. The Arms race as it is was definitely a contribution to the First World War because all of the colonies wanted to be the strongest military power, and have the strongest weapons which led to a lot of tensions between several countries. Both France and Britain enlarged their armies.
Nationalism
Nationalism was the feeling of patriotism, sometimes in the form on extreme patriotism. Many Nations wanted to prove that they were the best, and to do so, they had to prove it during war. This was a definite cause of the First World War because the Archduke, Franz Ferdinand was killed because of Nationalism. Franz Ferdinand was shot to death by a Bosian-Serb Nationalist group while visiting the capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo, which is considered to be the primary cause of the First World War. Another secret organization was the Black Hand. The Black Hand is an organization which believed in the Unification of Serbia which would use terroristic manors to unify all Serbians, even those living outside of Serbia. Milan Vastich, a member of the Black Hand swore his allegiance to them and he said that no matter the sacrifice, he can handle it as long as Serbia stayed unified. In Austro-Hungary there were 10 different ethnicities which was a problem because of Nationalism. This is because all these cultures believed that they were the best which led to a lot of uprisings.
Nationalism was the feeling of patriotism, sometimes in the form on extreme patriotism. Many Nations wanted to prove that they were the best, and to do so, they had to prove it during war. This was a definite cause of the First World War because the Archduke, Franz Ferdinand was killed because of Nationalism. Franz Ferdinand was shot to death by a Bosian-Serb Nationalist group while visiting the capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo, which is considered to be the primary cause of the First World War. Another secret organization was the Black Hand. The Black Hand is an organization which believed in the Unification of Serbia which would use terroristic manors to unify all Serbians, even those living outside of Serbia. Milan Vastich, a member of the Black Hand swore his allegiance to them and he said that no matter the sacrifice, he can handle it as long as Serbia stayed unified. In Austro-Hungary there were 10 different ethnicities which was a problem because of Nationalism. This is because all these cultures believed that they were the best which led to a lot of uprisings.
Alliances
An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries to assist them during their hardships. Before the First World War, the European colonies had been divided into two alliances: The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The Tripe Entente consisted of Russia, France and Great Britain. The Triple Alliance consisted of Italy, Austro-Hungary and Germany. The Balkans was Bulgaria and Serbia and there was also the Ottoman Empire who had an alliance with Germany. The leaders of the Triple Alliance was Kaiser Wilhelm (Germany), Franz Joseph I (Austro-Hungary) and Vittorio Orlando (Italy) and they leaders of the Triple Entente were David Lloyd George (England), Raymond Poincare (France) and Czar Nicholas II (Russia). In Article III of the Tripe Alliance states that if any of them were to be attacked by the Great Powers (France, Great Britain or Russia) that all Contracting Parties are obliged to assist them with their forces. Basically is Italy, Austro-Hungary or Germany were ever to be attacked by the Great Powers, they would have to assist in any way possible. Germany gave Austro-Hungary a Blank check which stated that Germany would give their full support for all endeavors. In the end, Germany ended up regretting this because they had to fully support Austro-Hungary to invade Poland. This forced Great Britain and Italy to call a war on Germany. In the end, the Central Powers are Germany, Austro-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria and the Allied Powers were England, France, Russia, United States, Italy, Serbia, Belguim, Romania and Japan.
An alliance is an agreement made between two or more countries to assist them during their hardships. Before the First World War, the European colonies had been divided into two alliances: The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The Tripe Entente consisted of Russia, France and Great Britain. The Triple Alliance consisted of Italy, Austro-Hungary and Germany. The Balkans was Bulgaria and Serbia and there was also the Ottoman Empire who had an alliance with Germany. The leaders of the Triple Alliance was Kaiser Wilhelm (Germany), Franz Joseph I (Austro-Hungary) and Vittorio Orlando (Italy) and they leaders of the Triple Entente were David Lloyd George (England), Raymond Poincare (France) and Czar Nicholas II (Russia). In Article III of the Tripe Alliance states that if any of them were to be attacked by the Great Powers (France, Great Britain or Russia) that all Contracting Parties are obliged to assist them with their forces. Basically is Italy, Austro-Hungary or Germany were ever to be attacked by the Great Powers, they would have to assist in any way possible. Germany gave Austro-Hungary a Blank check which stated that Germany would give their full support for all endeavors. In the end, Germany ended up regretting this because they had to fully support Austro-Hungary to invade Poland. This forced Great Britain and Italy to call a war on Germany. In the end, the Central Powers are Germany, Austro-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria and the Allied Powers were England, France, Russia, United States, Italy, Serbia, Belguim, Romania and Japan.
Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War was a war that lasted a year, between 1870-1871. This war was ignited by Otto Von Bismark of Germany. He wanted to unionize Germany once again by fighting against one common enemy, France. France ended up loosing the war and major territory. France lost both Alsace and Lorraine. France was also forced to pay a very generous deposit to Germany which benefited them enormously. Germany now had enough money so their industries and their military thrived and they continued to interrupt the equilibrium and order in Europe and they could spread the widespread of hatred towards the French.
The Franco-Prussian War was a war that lasted a year, between 1870-1871. This war was ignited by Otto Von Bismark of Germany. He wanted to unionize Germany once again by fighting against one common enemy, France. France ended up loosing the war and major territory. France lost both Alsace and Lorraine. France was also forced to pay a very generous deposit to Germany which benefited them enormously. Germany now had enough money so their industries and their military thrived and they continued to interrupt the equilibrium and order in Europe and they could spread the widespread of hatred towards the French.
Accession of Wilhelm II
In 1888, when Wilhelm the second rose to the throne in Germany, he showed much more bellicose than Otto Von Bismark. Wilhelm refused to renew that treaty between Russia which promised peace between Russia and Austro-Hungary. He also kept France isolated because he was afraid that France had 'revanchist' feelings to regain their previously lost land in 1871. By isolating France, he also created the Triple Entente.
In 1888, when Wilhelm the second rose to the throne in Germany, he showed much more bellicose than Otto Von Bismark. Wilhelm refused to renew that treaty between Russia which promised peace between Russia and Austro-Hungary. He also kept France isolated because he was afraid that France had 'revanchist' feelings to regain their previously lost land in 1871. By isolating France, he also created the Triple Entente.
The Russo-Japanese War
Both Russia and Japan were fighting over the land of Manchuria and Korea, which resulted in the Russo-Japanese War. The Russo-Japanese war lasted a year, from 1904-1905 which Japan ended up winning. The Japanese ended up winning a lot more territory than they had planned. In Russia, this led to more political tensions and soon after the Russian Revolution had occurred. After this major loss, the Russian never again intended on colonizing the far East, but instead drove their attention to several European colonies. The Tsarist government eventually focused on the Balkans (Bulgaria and Serbia) which hightended the rivalry in Austro-Hungary whom also wanted to have control over the Balkans.
Both Russia and Japan were fighting over the land of Manchuria and Korea, which resulted in the Russo-Japanese War. The Russo-Japanese war lasted a year, from 1904-1905 which Japan ended up winning. The Japanese ended up winning a lot more territory than they had planned. In Russia, this led to more political tensions and soon after the Russian Revolution had occurred. After this major loss, the Russian never again intended on colonizing the far East, but instead drove their attention to several European colonies. The Tsarist government eventually focused on the Balkans (Bulgaria and Serbia) which hightended the rivalry in Austro-Hungary whom also wanted to have control over the Balkans.
Entente Cordiale
Great Britain was fearing that with German militarism and the buildup of their recently gained power, they may claim themselves as the dominant colony in the World. To stop this, the British made an alliance with the French, also known as the Entente Cordiale to preserve their superiority. Britain also created an alliance with Russia which had an alliance with France previously which formed the Tripe Entente. During the First World War, Russia, France and Great Britain became each others main alliances.
Great Britain was fearing that with German militarism and the buildup of their recently gained power, they may claim themselves as the dominant colony in the World. To stop this, the British made an alliance with the French, also known as the Entente Cordiale to preserve their superiority. Britain also created an alliance with Russia which had an alliance with France previously which formed the Tripe Entente. During the First World War, Russia, France and Great Britain became each others main alliances.
The Moroccan Crises
There are two Moroccan Crises. The first one is the Tangler Crisis, from 1905 - 1906, and the Agadir Crisis of 1911. Both of these Crisis were brought on by the Germans who wanted to cause tensions between France and Great Britain whic had just formed alliances. Wilhelm II of Germany flew to Morocco with intentions to influence the Moroccans to fight for their independence from France. This instead, only caused the British to treat the Germans with hostile behavior and the Moroccan Crisis just brought together the Tripe Cordiale (Russia, Great Britain and France.)
There are two Moroccan Crises. The first one is the Tangler Crisis, from 1905 - 1906, and the Agadir Crisis of 1911. Both of these Crisis were brought on by the Germans who wanted to cause tensions between France and Great Britain whic had just formed alliances. Wilhelm II of Germany flew to Morocco with intentions to influence the Moroccans to fight for their independence from France. This instead, only caused the British to treat the Germans with hostile behavior and the Moroccan Crisis just brought together the Tripe Cordiale (Russia, Great Britain and France.)
Bosnian Annexation Crisis
In 1908, Austro-Hungary decided to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina that was formally a part of the Ottoman Empire. Whenever land in Austro-Hungary was annexed, the Pan-Slavists (the concept that all Serbians should be unified) reacted very woefully. Serbia had the full support of the Tsarist government of Russia while Russia was unable to gain support from France or Britain. Because of the lack of support, Serbia was forced to back down which errupted the relationship between Russia and Serbia.
In 1908, Austro-Hungary decided to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina that was formally a part of the Ottoman Empire. Whenever land in Austro-Hungary was annexed, the Pan-Slavists (the concept that all Serbians should be unified) reacted very woefully. Serbia had the full support of the Tsarist government of Russia while Russia was unable to gain support from France or Britain. Because of the lack of support, Serbia was forced to back down which errupted the relationship between Russia and Serbia.
The First Balkan War
The Balkan League, formed in 1912 which consisted of Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia. Within a few months of forming their empire, they had gained territory in the Ottoman Empire and they had split it up evenly. The goal of the Balkan League was to gain that land of Macedonia. That June, Bulgaria had betrayed Serbia and Greece because of the partition (splitting of the land). Many European colonies were surprised by the success of the Balkan League but in particular, Austro-Hungary reacted with bitterness because of their hatred towards Serbia.
Vienna took precautions because they saw a threat in Serbia because they thought that their land would become the core of a Slavic State which would mean there would most likely be a war there. The Balkan Empire was strengthing Serbia which Austro-Hungary knew they could not let happen and the Ottoman Empire was also upset because of the land they had lost and how they were being suppressed.
The Balkan League, formed in 1912 which consisted of Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia. Within a few months of forming their empire, they had gained territory in the Ottoman Empire and they had split it up evenly. The goal of the Balkan League was to gain that land of Macedonia. That June, Bulgaria had betrayed Serbia and Greece because of the partition (splitting of the land). Many European colonies were surprised by the success of the Balkan League but in particular, Austro-Hungary reacted with bitterness because of their hatred towards Serbia.
Vienna took precautions because they saw a threat in Serbia because they thought that their land would become the core of a Slavic State which would mean there would most likely be a war there. The Balkan Empire was strengthing Serbia which Austro-Hungary knew they could not let happen and the Ottoman Empire was also upset because of the land they had lost and how they were being suppressed.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was one of the treaty's that was written on June 28th 1919 which ended the first world war. This treaty ended the war between Germany and their allies.
The Treaty of Versailles was one of the treaty's that was written on June 28th 1919 which ended the first world war. This treaty ended the war between Germany and their allies.
Schlieffen Plan
The Schlieffen Plan was a war strategy created by the Germans to declare war on France and Russia. It was made by Chief of Staff Alfred Von Schlieffen in 1903.
The Schlieffen Plan was a war strategy created by the Germans to declare war on France and Russia. It was made by Chief of Staff Alfred Von Schlieffen in 1903.
The Summer of 1914 August 2nd- Germany declares war on Russia and Germany invades Poland and Luxembourg and France gets invaded.
August 3rd- Germany declares war on France
August 4th- Germany declares war on Belgium and invades Belgium
August 4th- England declares war on Germany
August 5th- Austria declares war on Russia and Britain
August 3rd- Germany declares war on France
August 4th- Germany declares war on Belgium and invades Belgium
August 4th- England declares war on Germany
August 5th- Austria declares war on Russia and Britain
What were the main causes of the First World War?
The First World War, started in 1914 had several causes. First of all, the primary cause of the First World War was the killing of the Archduke of Austro-Hungary Franz Ferdinand. This was the primary cause of WWI because the Austro-Hungarians believed that the Serbians were behind the attack. This was the main cause, but there were several underlying motifs for countries to start the WWI. First of all, Militarism was a very big cause of the First World war because all countries wanted to have the most modern, and the most weapons to defend themselves during war. With several colonies wanting to be the most advanced in their weapons, this cause a lot of tension between different colonies which definitely a major cause of the WWI. Secondly, this competition between colonies to be the strongest, caused an arms race, which caused the tensions between the colonies to heighten. The last major cause to the First World War was the engagement of Germany and Imperialism. Bulow, a German political figure said that they would no longer sit on the side lines, that they would colonize several regions around the World because of new found interests. The three main causes of the First World War, I believe is the murder of the Archduke of Germany because it increased the tensions between Germany and Serbia. Second of all, Militarism was a major cause because this heightened the tensions between several countries because all countries wanted to be the strongest. Lastly, Imperialism because several countries wanted the same land because of newly found interests.
The First World War, started in 1914 had several causes. First of all, the primary cause of the First World War was the killing of the Archduke of Austro-Hungary Franz Ferdinand. This was the primary cause of WWI because the Austro-Hungarians believed that the Serbians were behind the attack. This was the main cause, but there were several underlying motifs for countries to start the WWI. First of all, Militarism was a very big cause of the First World war because all countries wanted to have the most modern, and the most weapons to defend themselves during war. With several colonies wanting to be the most advanced in their weapons, this cause a lot of tension between different colonies which definitely a major cause of the WWI. Secondly, this competition between colonies to be the strongest, caused an arms race, which caused the tensions between the colonies to heighten. The last major cause to the First World War was the engagement of Germany and Imperialism. Bulow, a German political figure said that they would no longer sit on the side lines, that they would colonize several regions around the World because of new found interests. The three main causes of the First World War, I believe is the murder of the Archduke of Germany because it increased the tensions between Germany and Serbia. Second of all, Militarism was a major cause because this heightened the tensions between several countries because all countries wanted to be the strongest. Lastly, Imperialism because several countries wanted the same land because of newly found interests.
Professor Gary Sheffield of the University of War Studies
I agree with Professor Gary Sheffield, a professor of war studies in the University of Wolverhampton that Austro-Hungary and Germany held the largest blame for the first World War. Germany gave Austro-Hungary a blank check, which offered unconditional support form Germany. The giving of this blank check was then frowned upon by the Germans, because they now had to help Austro-Hungary invade Serbia. According to Gary Sheffield, Germany also had the intention to break up Russia-French alliance. I agree with Gary Sheffield because the blank check given by Germany was an obvious cause to the World War because they knew invading Serbia would cause tensions, leading to a war. Second of all, Germany knew that driving a wedge between the Triple Entente would cause tensions. I don’t think that the Triple Entente are so much to blame only because they were reacting in defense for their country. These beliefs match with Gary Sheffield, which is why I agree that Austro-Hungary and Germany are the most to blame, although, they are not the only ones to be blamed. I also believe that Serbia should be to blame because a Serbian national killed Franz Ferdinand which urged Austro-Hungary to become more involved during the war.
I agree with Professor Gary Sheffield, a professor of war studies in the University of Wolverhampton that Austro-Hungary and Germany held the largest blame for the first World War. Germany gave Austro-Hungary a blank check, which offered unconditional support form Germany. The giving of this blank check was then frowned upon by the Germans, because they now had to help Austro-Hungary invade Serbia. According to Gary Sheffield, Germany also had the intention to break up Russia-French alliance. I agree with Gary Sheffield because the blank check given by Germany was an obvious cause to the World War because they knew invading Serbia would cause tensions, leading to a war. Second of all, Germany knew that driving a wedge between the Triple Entente would cause tensions. I don’t think that the Triple Entente are so much to blame only because they were reacting in defense for their country. These beliefs match with Gary Sheffield, which is why I agree that Austro-Hungary and Germany are the most to blame, although, they are not the only ones to be blamed. I also believe that Serbia should be to blame because a Serbian national killed Franz Ferdinand which urged Austro-Hungary to become more involved during the war.