1. The First World War

2. Long term origins
Russia had, for centuries maintained good relations with Prussia and Austria-Hungary, however, when Germany did not renew the Reinsurance Treaty of 1887, Russia was forced to look elsewhere for allies
Russia therefore signed an alliance with France in 1894
Relations with France strengthened after Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War as Russia sought allies to guard against further conflict
The Triple Entente was signed as a logical step to cement relations between France’s ally Britain against the growing force of the Central Powers.

3. The break up of the Ottoman Empire worsened relations between Russia and Austria-Hungary as both had an interest in the Eastern Question.
Austria-Hungary sought to protect it’s empire whereas Russia wanted to protect Slavic peoples in the Balkans
In 1908, Russia signed a deal with Austria-Hungary to allow Russian trade through the straits. In return, Russia would support the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina

4. This proved problematic as Serbia believed that Bosnia-Herzegovina was Serbian and therefore deserved support from a Slavic nation (Russia)
Other powers resented the idea of Russia having trade access to the straits
Germany then stated it would support Austria-Hungary if matters got out of hand.
The Balkan Wars of weakened Bulgaria, seen as the Slav state most in line with Russia
This crisis highlighted Russia’s inability to deal with conflict and demonstrated the political and failings of Russia compared to other European powers.

5. Short term origins
June 1914, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Gabriel Princip, a Serbian nationalist
This made conflict inevitable with other powers as Russia had an obligation to protect Serbia, against Austrian retaliation
There was also the prospect that Austria-Hungary would use a war against Serbia as a means to gain further land in the Balkans
Russia therefore issues a mobilisation order in July 1914 after Austria-Hungry declares war on Serbia

6. Full or partial mobilisation?
In defence of Slavic countries in South West would leave Russia vulnerable to German attack in the west
Poor railways meant it would be very hard to move troops quickly enough to defend this border
Represented a view that Russia was not a protagonist and did not want a full war
Full mobilisation
Order given on 30 July to act as a deterrent, but Germany (1 August) and Austria-Hungary (5 August) both declared war on Russia
This was followed by the implementation of the Schlieffen Plan and the establishment of an eastern front

10. Main events
August and September 1914, initial Russian victory at Gumbinen followed by defeat at Tanenburg and the Masurian Lakes
February 1915 Russian forces pushed back from East Prussia but take Memel
August 1915 Nicholas II takes personal command of the army, retreat halted but Nicholas forced to abandon Vilna
February 1916, Russians take Ezerum from the Ottomans
June 1916, Brusilov offensive easily defeated by Germans
June and July 1917, attack on Austrian forces but once again forced to retreat
August 1917, Russia withdraws from Riga in Latvia
December 1917, Peace talks at Brest Litovsk

14. Nicholas II, letter to Alexandra (7th July 1915)
Again that cursed question of shortage of artillery and rifle ammunition - it stands in the way of an energetic advance. If we should have three days of serious fighting we might run out of ammunition altogether. Without new rifles, it is impossible to fill up the gaps. The army is now almost stronger than in peace time; it should be (and was at the beginning) three times as strong. This is the position we find ourselves in at present. If we had a rest from fighting for about a month, our condition would greatly improve. It is understood, of course, that what I say is strictly for you only. Please do not say a word of this to any one.