Europe 1914

The First World War: Why? Long term – 1. The European experience 2. Alliance system 3. Imperialist Competition 4. Stockpiling of Weapons Short term - Assassination of Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire The ‘isms’ 1.Nationalism 2.Imperialism 3.Militarism

Treaty of Frankfurt, 1871  Ended the Franco Prussian War  Defined border between Germany/France  Alsace-Lorraine

The First World War: Who? Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Russia France Great Britain Italy Japan United States (1917) Central Powers:Allies:

Who? Central Powers Central Powers (Triple Alliance) Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire – later Bulgaria & Italy (briefly) Kaiser Wilhelm II, Mehmed V, & Franz Joseph

Who? Triple Entente Triple Entente or Allied Powers  Loose alignment between the United Kingdom, France, and Russia Leaders England – King George V - Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, then David Lloyd George France – George Clemenceau Russia – Tsar Nicholas II

The First World War:

The Crisis June 1914 Heir to Austrian throne Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo. Austria seizing Bosnia. Hotbed of Slav nationalism Seal of the Black Hand group

Archduke Franz Ferdinand June 28, 1914 Franz Ferdinand of Austria toured Sarajevo Gavrilo Principe shot/killed the Archduke Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists. The assassination sparked the First World War Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria and his Wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg one hour before their deaths, June 28, 1914

The Path to War Germany supports Austria  Habsburgs (WHO?) send an ultimatum to Serbia  Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Serbia on July 28th Russia mobilizes in support of Serbia Germany demands that Russia stands her armies down.  Russia refuses Germany declares war on Russia on August 1, 1914

The Path to War (August 2) Germany declared war on France demanded Belgium give access to German troops Belgium denies (August 4) Great Britain declared war on Germany for violating Belgian neutrality Perceptions about World War I (at the time)  Excitement – “defend against aggressors” Modern warfare would be quick (“Home by Christmas” War a glorious adventure

Which side should the US pick? 11 million German- Americans Irish-Americans hated Great Britain Close cultural ties Shared transatlantic cables (so censored stories) Big business loaned much $ to allies Central Powers: Allies: US Exports to both sides: US proclaims Neutrality

WAR – Schlieffen Plan Schlieffen Plan – Germany’s military plan to avoid a two front war  Invade France through Belgium (“Knock out blow”)  Defeat France, then concentrate on Eastern Front Does not account for British mobilizing quickly.

The Battle of the Marne the Marne dictates the rest of the war Sept 5-12, 1914 Ends the German offensive into France  outskirts of Paris. French stopped the Germans  could not push back  Stalemate Soldiers dug trenches for shelter  Begins four years of trench warfare on the Western Front