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Causes of WW1 - Coggle Diagram
Causes of WW1
Long term Causes
Alliances
The formation of the Triple Entente. It formed when France and Russia allied in 1894, out of fear for the triple alliance's power. Britain later joined as well in 1907, as Germany's navy was starting to outclass Britain's, posing a large threat against the island.
Whilst all these alliances were helpful for protection from other countries and alliances, they often stifled other cultures. This happened to Serbia in Austria-Hungary, creating a rebellion leading to many events.
The formation of the triple alliance. It formed when Austria-Hungary allied with Germany in 1879. This was out of fear or French retaliation after the Franco-Prussian wars in 1870-1871. From the Franco Prussian wars Germany gained large amount of money, and Alsace-Lorraine among other things. Italy joined the triple alliance in 1882, and the Ottoman empire joined during the war in October 1914.
Nationailsm
Resentments such as France against Germany from the Franco-Prussian Wars in 1870-1871. They were still lingering, creating global tension.
In Multi Ethnic Regions such as Austria -Hungary, rebellions were sparking all over the place. As cultures were being marginalised, many groups were formed, ironically dividing the country further with nationalism.
In the Balkans, Serbian Nationalism grew, wanting independence from what was the current imperialistic rule.
Resulted in the belief of superiority for many countries, leading to agressive policies and actions, such as Germany enlarging its army to 8 million soldiers.
Many countries used nationalism as an excuse to commit horrific crimes or unjust actions. This resulted in lots of propaganda.
Militarism
Increase in military spending in European countries by 300 percent, raising tension and creating a compound effect of spending.
Naval arms race between Germany and Britain, from 1900 to 1914
Before WWI, all European countries conscripted except Britain
Imperialism
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Africa had a lot of Colonial warfare, particularly with Britain, France and Germany. In 1905 and 1911, the leader of Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II launched attacks "The Moroccan crises". He sent troops to British and French colonies but they got shut down quickly.
Having colonies led to stronger empires and global influence, leading to a "scramble for Africa" and parts of Asia as well. The practice started as early from Europe in the 15th century, granting access to new resources as well.
Short term causes
Assasination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand on the 28th of June, 1914. It happened around 10:45AM, in Bosnia Herzegovina. It happened because of the rising tensions in Austria-Hungary on Slavic countries, leading to Gavrilo Princip, a 19 year old Serbian nationalist shooting him and his wife. Austria blamed Serbia, and issued an ultimatum.
On July 23rd, 1914, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, blaming the country for the actions of one man. The ultimatum aimed to dismantle Serbian Nationalism, and had 10 different points
Suppress anti-Austrian propaganda in Serbia and remove publications that incite hostility toward Austria-Hungary.
Dissolve nationalist organizations, specifically those hostile to Austria-Hungary, such as Narodna Odbrana.
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Allow Austrian authorities to participate in investigating Franz Ferdinand’s assassination and prosecute those involved. (Serbia rejected this demand.)
Serbia agreed to every point except this one, as they saw it as a violation of its sovereignty and offered to conduct an investigation without Austria-Hungary officials. Austria Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28th, signaling the start of WWI (This is the offical starting date of WWI)
Russian Mobilization (July 30, 1914)
Russia, supporting Serbia, began mobilizing troops, threatening Austria-Hungary and Germany.
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German Declarations of War (August 1–3, 1914)
Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914.
Germany declared war on France on August 3, 1914, due to its alliance with Russia.
Invasion of Belgium & British Entry (August 4, 1914)
Germany implemented the Schlieffen Plan, invading Belgium to attack France.
Britain, committed to Belgian neutrality, declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914.
Arrest and punish individuals linked to the assassination, including those involved in planning the attack.
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Implement all demands within 48 hours, or Austria-Hungary would consider military action.