1. 23-1 The Road to WWI
“The war to end all wars.”

2. Before WWI 1871, unified Germany is most powerful state
Feeling that France wanted to create anti-German alliance, Bismarck joins Austria-Hungary (1879)
Italy joins them (1882)
Creates Triple Alliance
Bismarck signs treaty w/Russia to remain in good terms. Also tried to remain on good terms w/G. Britain

3. New Directions: William II
1888, Emperor William II comes to power
1890, he fires Bismarck and takes control of Germany’s foreign policy.
Wanted to make Germany a World Power
He drops the treaty w/Russia
France will make an alliance w/Russia
Now Germany had a hostile power on either sides
G. Britain joins Russia and France = Triple Entente

5. Problems in the Balkans
19th century, Ottoman Empire is weakening
Most of Balkan provinces gaining freedom
Greece, Serbia, Romania, and Montenegro (indp.)
Bulgaria not totally idep. (under protection of Russia)
Bosnia + Herzegovina (under protection of A.H.)
A.H. decides to annex Bosnia + Herz
Serbia gets mad; wanted to create a Serbian kingdom w/Slav people (need Bosnia + Herz)

6. Problems in the Balkans
Russia supports the Slavs
Serbs prepare for war against A.H.
William II demands that Russia accept the annexation or face war w/Germany
Russia is weak right now (just lost a war against Japan), so they back down, but are determined to fight back in the event of another confrontation w/A.H or Germany (1912, 1913)

7. Causes to WWI Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Militarism
Triple Alliance
Triple Entente
Imperialism
Rivalries b/w countries for control of other countries
Nationalism
Some ethnic groups wanted to become a nation; Slavic[Austria], Irish [G. Britain], + Poles [Russia]
Militarism
Growth of mass armies created tension

8. The Outbreak of War
Serbia (supported by Russia) wanted to create an indep. Slavic state in Balkans
Austria-H (had Slavic minority in their country) wanted to stop that
Archduke Francis Ferdinand was visiting Bosnia w/his wife and they get murdered (June 28, 1914)

9. Austria-H responses
A.H. didn’t know if Serbian gov’t was involved in the shooting, but they didn’t care
A.H. wanted to attack Serbia but were afraid of Russia
AH asked and received support from Germany
July 28, 1914, A.H. declares war on Serbia

10. Russia Mobilizes Russians ready to support Serbia
July 28, Czar Nicholas II ordered mobilization of army against A.H. and Germany
Mobilization is considered an act of war

11. The Conflict Broadens
Germany demands that Russia stop it’s mobilization; Russia ignores them
Germany declares war on Russia (Aug. 1)
Germany’s plan: Schlieffen Plan
two-front war vs. Russia + France (divide army)
Attack France by going through Neutral Belgium
Once France is out, take full army vs. Russia
G. Britain mad at Germany for invading neutral country, so they declare war on them
The Great War has started (Aug. 4)