What were the MAIN causes of World War I?

Total Military Personnel as a percentage of population

The Pity of War by Niall Ferguson. The Penguin Group, © 1998. Page 95.

England 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911

Battleships 2 4 3 3 2 8 7 5

Destroyers 0 6 2 5 16 24 20 20

Germany 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911

Battleships 0 2 2 3 4 4 4 4

Destroyers 0 6 12 12 12 12 12 12

France 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911

Battleships 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3

Destroyers 0 6 8 5 7 7 8 0

Number of Ships Built Per Year for England, Germany, and France

The Origins of the War. J. Holland Rose. Cambridge University Press, © 1914. Page 189.

Militarism

European Alliances

1839 Treaty of London – Great Britain promises to maintain the neutrality of Belgium

1879 Dual Alliance – Germany and Austria-Hungary promised to help each other if either was attacked by Russia.

1881 Three Emperors League – Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia agreed to aid each other in a time of war.

1882 Triple Alliance – Italy joins Germany and Austria-Hungary in the Dual Alliance

1887 Reinsurance Treaty – Germany secures Russia’s promise to remain neutral if Germany is attacked

1892 France – Russian Military Convention – France and Russia agree to assist each other militarily if attacked

1904 Entente Cordiale – Britain and France settle disputes over colonies and improve relations as a counter to the Triple Alliance

1908 Anglo – Russian Entente – Russia joins Britain in France in the Entente

France

Germany

Austria-Hungary

Italy

Russia

Great Britain

Serbia

Alliances

Page 480, 486, 488 in your textbook

Imperialism

Crown Prince Wilhelm on the Prospect of War

Today, indeed, we live in a time which points with special satisfaction to the proud height of its culture, which is only too willing to boast of its international cosmopolitanism, and flatters itself with visionary dreams of the possibility of an everlasting peace throughout the world.

This view of life is un-German and does not suit us.  The German who loves his people, who believes in the greatness and the future of our homeland, and who is unwilling to see its position diminished, dare not close his eyes in the indulgence of dreams such as these, he dare not allow himself to be lulled into indolent sleep by the lullabies of peace sung by the Utopians.

Germany has behind her since the last great war a period of economic prosperity, which has in it something almost disconcerting.  Comfort has so increased in all circles of our people that luxury and claims to a certain style of life have undergone a rank development.

The old ideals, even the position and the honour of the nation, may be sympathetically affected; for peace, peace at any price, is necessary for the undisturbed acquisition of money.

Each of us must keep himself fit for arms and also prepared in his mind for the great solemn hour when the Emperor calls us to the standard - the hour when we no longer belong to ourselves, but to the Fatherland with all the forces of our mind and our body; for all these faculties must be brought to the highest exertion, to that "will to victory" which has never been without success in history.

Nationalism

Willy and Nicky Telegram Excerpts

Tsar to Kaiser – July, 29, 1914

Thanks for your telegram conciliatory and friendly. Whereas official message presented today by your ambassador to my minister was conveyed in a very different tone. Beg you to explain this divergency! It would be right give over the Asutro-servian problem to the Hague conference. Trust in your wisdom and friendship.

Your loving Nicky

Tsar to Kaiser – July 30, 1912

Thank you heartily for your quick answer. Am sending Tatischev this evening with instructions. The military measures which have now come into force were decided five days ago for reasons of defence on account of Austria’s preparations. I hope from all my heart that these measures won’t in any way interfere with your part as mediator which I greatly value. We need your strong pressure on Austria to come to an understanding with us.

Nicky

Willy and Nicky Telegram ExcerptsKaiser to Tsar July 30, 1914

Best thanks for telegram. It is quite out of the question that my ambassadors language could have been in contradiction with the tenor of my telegram. Count Pourtalès was instructed to draw the attention of your government to the danger & grave consequences involved by a mobilisation; I said the same in my telegram to you. Austria has only mobilised against Servia & only a part of her army. If, as it is now the case, according to the communication by you & your Government, Russia mobilises against Austria, my rôle as mediator you kindly intrusted me with, & which I accepted at you[r] express prayer, will be endangered if not ruined. The whole weight of the decision lies solely on you[r] shoulders now, who have to bear the responsibility for Peace or War.

Willy

Tsar to Kaiser July 31, 1914

I thank you heartily for your mediation which begins to give one hope that all may yet end peacefully.

It is technically impossible to stop our military preparations which were obligatory owing to Austria's mobilisation. We are far from wishing war. As long as the negotiations with Austria on Servia's account are taking place my troops shall not make any provocative action. I give you my solemn word for this. I put all my trust in Gods mercy and hope in your successful mediation in Vienna for the welfare of our countries and for the peace of Europe.

Your affectionate Nicky

Diplomacy Failure

Nationalism

Imperialism

Alliances

Militarism

Diplomacy Failure