Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Triple Entente: (a.k.a. Entente Cordiale): Britain, France, Russia
- see p.37 map in textbook
- Habsburg Emperor: Franz Joseph
- his heir, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, was murdered by a terrorist in Sarajevo
Note: The Habsburg Empire included Austria-Hungary with 11 separate nationalities including Poles, Czechs, Hungarians, Germans, Romanians, and Bulgarians
- terrorist was encouraged by Serbia
- A.H. was determined to punish Serbia
- Russia, Serbia's protector, threatened to go to war
- Germany, A.H.'s ally in the Triple Alliance threatened war also
- Germany' s war plan included attacking France
- to get to France, Germany first invaded Belgium
- Britain promised to protect Belgium
Therefore, the war was on.
1) secret alliances: eg Italy joined the Triple Alliance in 1882 not knowing that Austria-Hungary was already allied with Germany. Therefore, this led to to rumours, mistrust, and accusations.
2) economic competition: (i.e. imperialistic rivalries)
- competed for colonies and markets eg Germany and France competed for Morocco
Recall: imperialism: the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.
3) nationalism: i.e. nations encouraged hatred towards one another with propaganda such as hate literature
Recall: nationalism: devotion to the interests of one's own country or nationality; desire for national advancement or independence.
4) militarism: eg Germany and Britain in naval race
- belief that arms and conflicts would aid a nation
- love of the military by the people
5) press and media
- encouraged hatred and negative stereotypes
- lied or exaggerated about enemy's treatment of prisoners
6) competition for the Balkans
- mostly between Russia, Turkey, and Austria-Hungary
Note: The Balkans consisted of parts of present day Romania, Bulgaria, W. Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Yugoslavia
Mnemonic device for remembering these underlying causes:
So (secret alliances)
Each (economic competition)
Nation (nationalism)
Might (militarism)
Prevail &(press and media)
Conquer (competition for the Balkans)
Immediate Cause of WW I
The assassination of the Archduke created a domino effect in which the alliance system clicked into place. For example, in response to the assassination, Austria-Hungary prepared to move against Serbia. Russia prepared to protect Serbia. Germany prepared to protect Austria- Hungary and also attack France by going through Belgium. Britain promised to protect Belgium if its neutrality was violated.