Descent into WWI & Crisis in the European Order Chapter 28 Pg
Coming of the Great War Long March to War (long-term causes) Remember the “MAIN” causes –Militarism: –Alliance systems: –Imperialism: –Nationalism:
Outbreak of War (the short-term causes) Balkans represent broader themes of Europe Alliances turn regional conflict into European conflict British entry turns conflict global
A World at War
The War in Europe (Western Front) New weaponry creates losses in the millions Schlieffen plan –fails & war quickly turns into a stalemate –Aided by use of trench warfare
The War in the East & Italy (Eastern Front) Russia –Diverts German resources while suffering huge losses –Crisis of leadership led overthrow of Tsar Austria-Hungary –Multiethnic armies required German reinforcement to hold off Russia –Successful “high-ground” position led to disaster in Italy
Home Fronts in Europe Major disconnect b/t soldiers & civilians “Total war” effort Sped up developments already in place –Social & labor unrest –Women’s roles
War Outside Europe Colonies did much to create global war –Supplies, raw materials, soldiers, labor Japan –Made imperialist claims (Europe distracted) –Foreshadowed WWII 1 of 2
War Outside Europe Ottomans –Continued German military advice –Fend off British in Gallipoli & threaten Suez –Blame of losses led to Armenian Genocide U.S. –Drawn into war adding industrial & military power 2 of 2
Endgame: Offensive Warfare Bolshevik Revolution pulls Russia out → one front war Central powers quickly break down –Fuels anti-Semitism Stark realities of war hit –Casualties in the millions –Damaged economies –Nationalistic fervor broken → Circumstances ripe for Great Depression & authoritarian governments in the 1930s
Failed Peace Peace talks dominated by the “Big 3” –Motivated by losses & revenge Self-determination was clear theme Outcome –Versailles = colossal failure –League of Nations