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Congress of Vienna
No large scale wars in Europe since the Congress of Vienna instituted the Concert of Europe to diplomatically solve problems.
The congress had however sparked nationalism throughout Europe.
Push for war
As the 20th century dawned, the world was ripe for war. Several conditions were steering the world closer and closer:
-Aggressive Nationalism-Economic Competition-Imperialism-Arms Race-Rival Alliance Systems
Aggressive Nationalism
Positive:
•brings people together and binds them in common celebrations (cinco de mayo)
Negative:
•Fuels bitter conflict between nations or within empires.
Three main nationalism tensions1) France and Germany2)Pan-Slavism3) Balkans
France and Germany
There is increasing tension between France and Germany
France: United in bitter resentment over losing the Franco-Prussian War and the German occupation of Alsace and Lorraine
Germany: Nationalism stemmed from pride in its new military and industrial strength
Pan-Slavism
Russian sponsored a slogan claiming all Slavic peoples shared a common nationality. As the largest Slavic country, Russia felt the duty to lead and defend all other Slavs.
-Ex: willing to protect Serbia, a new Slavic state, against any threat
Slavs: the people of Eastern and central Europe
The Balkans
1) The Austria-Hungarian Empire was worried nationalism would foster rebellion among their minority populations.
2) Ottoman-Turkey empire threatened by the new nations around it: Greece and Serbia. Serbia was aggressively attempting to expand, into the Ottoman if necessary.
- 1912-1913: several nations invade the Ottoman-Turkey empire. The invaders fight over the
“spoils of war”.
Nicknamed the “Powder Keg of Europe” because tensions are so high
Imperialism
Competition for colonies brought European nations close to war, especially France and Germany in Africa.
Britain was also threatened by Germany’s rapid economic and industrial growth.
Militarism and Arms Race
Militarism= glorification of the military
Develops from Social Darwinism:Survival of the fittest
Survival of the strongest
Increase military budgets and expand armies and navies
Militarism and the arms race fuels suspicions and competition between the European nations.
Britain and GermanyVery competitive. Britain had a well known and powerful Navy it created to protect its overseas empire
Germany had begun building its navy to acquire colonies. Germany felt the European nations paid too little attention to its might.
“All the long years of my reign, my colleagues, the monarchs of Europe, have paid no attention to what I have to say. Soon, with my great navy to endorse my words, they will be more respectful.”
Militarism and the arms race will spark fear and distrust among the Europeans
AlliancesAs tensions increase and fear of war grows, nations sign alliances pledging to protect one another
The Triple Alliance
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy
Triple Entente
Britain
France
Russia
Please noteThe Triple Alliance
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy
Triple Entente
Britain
France
Russia
Later known as the Central Powers
Later known as The Allies
Alliances lead to warInstead of easing tension, the growth of rival alliance systems made governments uneasy and nervous. By 1914 all the major powers were linked, making war likely
War IgnitesArchduke Ferdinand is travelling in Bosnia, a Serbian land ruled by Austria-Hungary. During his visit he is assassinated by Gavril Princip, a member of the Black Hand terrorist group on June 28th, 1914.
UltimatumA final set of demands
In response to the heir’s assassination, Austria issues an ultimatum to Serbia, demanding they be allowed to investigate and punish anyone found responsible.
Serbia refuses and Austria declares war on July 28th, 1914
Alliance system activatedAustria Relies on Germany
Serbia asks Russia, the Slavic Champion, for help, Russia relies on France to support them
France and Russia begin to mobilize, or prepare the military
Germany declares war on France and Russia
Britain and Italy remain neutral at first, they refuse to take sides.
Germany’s Schlieffen PlanPrior to WWI the Germans had worried about a two front war against France and Russia. General Schlieffen had theorized a way to win a two front war
The Plan
According the Schlieffen:-must avoid fighting on two fronts
-Russia would mobilize slowly
-Germany could defeat France quickly
-After defeating France they can focus on Russia
The plan was to attack France by passing through neutral Belgium
Britain Responds
The Schlieffen plan required Germany to pass through neutral Belgium.
Britain came to the Belgians defense and declared war on Germany.
The Great WarIn 1914 the Great War began. The allies: Britain, France and Russia were pitted against the Central Powers: Austria, Germany and Italy.
Review
A major cause of World War I was 1. A decline in the policy of imperialism2. The existence of opposing alliances3. An increase in acts of aggression by England4. The spread of communism throughout Europe
Review Why was the Balkan region referred to as the “Powder Keg of Europe” prior to World War I?
1. The aggression of the ottoman empire was disrupting the balance of power
2. Yugoslavia was invading its neighboring countries3. Nationalistic and imperialistic rivalries were
increasing4. The area was the leading supplier of military
equipment to the rest of the world
Review“Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated!”“Germany Declares War on Russia and France!”“Peace Treaty Signed at Versailles!”
Which event is referred to in these headlines?
1. Franco-Prussian War2. Crimean War3. World War I4. Cold War
