World War I Causes  imperialism  nationalism  arms race  alliance system Consequences Technology / Warfare Colonies

Germany  Germany, a new industrial power centrally located in Europe, had a desire to match the influence of France and Great Britain. {i}  Germany’s alliance with Austria-Hungary resulted in the Blank Check after the assassination {a}  “Finally, as far as concerns Serbia, His Majesty, of course, cannot interfere in the dispute now going on between Austria-Hungary and that country, as it is a matter not within his competence. The Emperor Francis Joseph may, however, rest assured that His Majesty will faithfully stand by Austria-Hungary, as is required by the obligations of his alliance and of his ancient friendship.”

Russia  Conflicts between Slavic and Germanic peoples resonated strongly in both societies. The defeat of the Teutonic Knights by Polish forces in the early 15 th century was still a slight to the Germans in {n}  Russia believed that the pan-Slavism movement should be unified under the leadership of Russia, which was after all the largest and strongest Slavic nation. {n}  Russian Slavophilism  Russia was ready to defend the Balkans in support of this position.  Russia’s desire to have a warm water port in the Mediterranean brought it into conflict with the Ottomans

France  France was still angry at Germany over its defeat in the Franco-Prussian conflict and was wary of an industrial Germany threatening France’s position as a European “super power.” {n}, {a} After its victory in the Franco- Prussian War, the German Empire demanded the territory Alsace-Lorraine from France. The Kaiser ignored Bismarck’s warning the it would create permanent hostility between Germany and France.

Britain  Britain’s effort to retain its position as “the” power of Europe and the world [Britain allied itself with Russia and France as it viewed Germany as a threat to its global position] {a}  The German Army was double the size of the British Army prior to 1914 {ar}  Germany began to rival Britain’s naval superiority {ar}, {n}  Colonial rival in Africa {i}

 This combination of nationalism and realpolitik threatened the breakdown of the Concert of Europe; {a}, {n}  a system of diplomatic cooperation between the European monarchies - at first the Austrian Empire, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Prussia - following the Napoleonic Wars.  the great monarchies pledged to work together to suppress uprisings that threatened their power and territory [system did not succeed in crushing all rebellions, particularly the widespread Revolutions of 1848]  the Concert of Europe did continue as a means of international consultation throughout the 19th century.

World War I Causes  imperialism  nationalism  arms race  alliance system Consequences Technology / Warfare Colonies

“…here is one of the first to go! A lad who sat before me on these very benches, who gave up all to serve in the first year of the war. One of the iron youth who have made Germany invincible in the field! Look at him. Sturdy and bronze and clear-eyed! The kind of soldier every one of you should envy! Paul, lad, you must speak to them. You must tell them what it means to serve your fatherland.”

German soldiers, on the way to the front during early World War I (1914). Messages on the car spell out (approximately):  “Trip to Paris”  “the fight”  “Into battle”  “my sword tip is itching”

World War I Causes  imperialism  nationalism  arms race  alliance system Consequences Technology / Warfare Colonies