World War I

Conflicts

Nationalism-felling of pride in and devotion to one’s country

On June 28th 1389 Serbia was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Then on the very same day in 1912 Serbia had gained freedom. Bosnia, home to many Serbs was still ruled by Austria-Hungary. Many Serbs were angered by this and demanded freedom, yet Austria-Hungary did not give it.

Germany enters war against Serbia to help Austria-Hungary.

Russia enters war against Austria-Hungary to help Serbia.

France enters war against Serbia and Germany to help Russia.

Germany invades Belgium to quickly conquer France in an attempt to avoid a two front war.

Britain enters war on Germany, outraged by invasion of Belgium.

French mobilize 8.5 million men; Russians mobilize 12 million, British 9 million.

Germany mobilizes 11 million.

Propaganda spread throughout many nations in an attempt to get the people behind the war effort. Many times propaganda was untrue and greatly exaggerated.

Unrestricted Submarine warfare- sinking of all types of ships including civilian ships, by Germany.

Zimmermann Note-Germany promises that if Mexico supports Germany against the United States, Germany would help Mexico regain its lost territory.

Reason

Militarism- The process when countries build up their armies and arms in preparation for war. Also a good way to intimidate your enemies. There was great competition between Britain and Germany for mastery of the ocean.

Alliances- Many countries got pulled into the war based upon relations with other countries that they felt obligated to support. Once one country entered the war the ally of that country had no chose but to enter as well.

Imperialism- countries who had power and strength felt the need to control weaker countries. Germany had begun in the race to carve up Africa late and so missed out on territory there.

Nationalism- countries felt great pride in their own nation thinking that by occupying other nations would benefit both countries. France was still bitter from territories such as Alsace-Lorraine that were lost to Germany during the Franco-Prussian war.

Compromise

Wilson’s Fourteen Points- guide to avoid another war as devastating as WW1. In it some key points where:

Open diplomacy- no secret treaties between powers.

Freedom of navigation- seas would be free in both peace and war.

Multilateral disarmament- all countries should reduce their weapons to the smallest number possible.

Colonies-people in European colonies should have a say in their future.

National self determination- powers in Europe should, when possible be given their independence.

League of Nations major powers assemble to discuss and dispute conflicts peacefully.

Treaty of Versailles- 26 clauses dealt with the League of Nations.

The other 414 dealt with the punishment of Germany.

Germany was dealt with the most severely.

Germany’s army was reduced to 100,000 men and no tanks were allowed.

Germany’s navy was allowed 6 ships and no submarines.

Germany was not allowed to have an air force.

Losers of the war were forced to pay reparations and lost territory.