Countdown to WWI

The Unification of GermanyFranco-Prussian Wars of 1870-

1871◦Germany establishes itself as a main

European power Possess one of the most powerful armies

in the world Germany now had ability to exercise

large control over continental Europe

The Unification of Germany

Prussia declared the new German Empire on January 18th, 1871 at the Palace of Versailles◦This is a slap in the face to France

Germany annexes Alsace and Lorraine

The Unification of Germany

Otto Von Bismarck's Foreign Policy◦Recognized the danger of a two-front

war◦Realpolitik

Protect and advance Germany’s interests Prevent a general European war Isolate potential enemies (France) Not upset Britain

The Two-Front War

The Unification of GermanyKaiser Wilhelm II rises to power

◦forces Bismarck’s resignation◦Germany Unified but Europe is not◦The system of alliances is put to the

test, trust systems breakdown

Unification of GermanyWeltpolitik (World Policy)

◦Germany no longer satisfied with be only a large power in continental Europe

◦Begins an aggressive policy to expand their power, even if that means war

◦Weltpolitik primarily a naval policy “Our future lies on the sea”

Unification of Germany

◦Wilhelm frustrated with German geographical position

◦Aim was to transform into a global power by aggressive diplomacy and began building a large navy with the Dreadnought

“We also [want to] claim our place in the sun”

The Powder Keg

The Powder KegRefers to the Balkans in the early

part of the 20th century

A number of overlapping claims to territories led nationalistic tensions and imperialistic ambitions

The Powder KegThe First and Second Balkan Wars

caused new territories to claim independence from the Ottoman Empire (now known as Turkey)

Confusion ensued between Russia and Austria-Hungary about who controlled certain territories

The Powder KegPan-Slavism

◦Viewed themselves as the leader of all Slav nations

◦A movement in the mid-19th century aimed at uniting all Slavic peoples Particularly strong in the Balkans where

Slavs had been ruled by other empires for centuries

The Powder KegSupported by Russia

◦Viewed themselves as the leader of all Slavic nations

A large portion of territory needed to unify the Balkans was under Austro-Hungarian control

Therefore, strongly apposed by Austro-Hungary

July Crisis of 1914Gavrilo Princip - a member of the

Black Hand

Assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28th, 1914◦Heir Presumptive to the Austro-

Hungarian throne

Gavrilo

Princip

July Crisis of 1914

Austria-Hungary saw the assassination of the Archduke as an opportunity to assert themselves

◦Franz Ferdinand was not viewed with great favour by Franz Josef, the current ruler of Austria-Hungary or his government

July Crisis of 1914German’s support gives Austria-

Hungary a boost of confidence and gives Serbia an ultimatum

The ultimatum is extensive and Austria-Hungary never intended for Serbia to agree to the conditions outlined

Amazingly, Serbia agrees to everything but point #6

July Crisis of 1914July 28th – Austria Hungary declares war

on Serbia with Germany’s “Blank Cheque” backing their army

July 29th – Russia supports Serbia and mobilizes troops along the German and Austrian borders

July 31st – Kaiser Wilhelm, realizing what is happening, desperately attempts to halt Russia but it’s too late

July Crisis of 1914

August 1st- Germany declares war on Russia

August 3rd – France supports Russia, Germany declares war on France

August 4th Germany, using the Schlieffen

Plan, intends to march through neutral Belgium to attack France quickly

Britain warns Germany to halt plans, Germany refuses to stop their plan

Britain declares war on Germany

The Schlieffen Plan

The AlliancesThe Triple Entente

◦Britain, Russia and France (in 1915 Italy joins)

The Triple Alliance◦Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Based on the Alliance wording, Italy only had to go to war if a country attacked a member of the alliance, since Austria-Hungary and Germany declared war they were off the hook

The Great War Begins