World War I
Study Guide
I. Context
A. Background
World War I began as a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Bosnian Serbs wanted freedom from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A member of the Bosnian Serb nationalist movement, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungary throne, Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. What followed was far from a localized conflict. The major powers of Europe and beyond, bound to each other in a network of treaties and alliances (and their own national interests) joined the conflict that would become the First World War.
B. Parties involved
1. Central Powers
a. Germany
b. Austria-Hungary
c. Italy
Later joined allies
(1) Italy
Later joined allies
2. Allies
a. Russia
b. Great Britain
c. France
d. United States
e. Greece
f. Japan
II. Causes
A. Nationalism
The spark that set off the First World War was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Bosnian Serb nationalists opposed to Austro-Hungarian control over their region. More than just Bosnians, Europe was swept up in a wave of nationalism. Each country wanted to prove how great and powerful they were. Some tried to dominate and control other regions (such as Austria-Hungary did to Bosnia.)
B. Past history
A complex web of alliances, family ties and treaties bound countries to one another and pulled them into war. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia (bound to Serbia) rose to her defence. Germany and Austria-Hungary, by treaty, were unified against Russia. France was bound to Russia by treaty, and Great Britain was bound to both France and Belgium (which was invaded by Germany). The conflict spread across the globe to related countries and colonies.
III. Effects
A. Germany crushed
Germany emerged from World War I bitterly defeated. At the Treaty of Versailles, German delegates had little power in forging the terms of the peace. Some say the resulting peace was a "peace of revenge." During the war, Germany had been vicious in her attack of France. In retribution, and an attempt to prevent this again, Germany was broken up geographically and penalized financially at Versailles. Isolated and bitter in defeat, Germany would later become aggressive once again under Adolf Hitler. World War II was a product of World War I.
B. League of Nations formed
The forerunner of the United Nations, the League was a world-wide political forum set up under the Treaty of Versailles. It was established as an international community to resolve disputes, and hopefully, prevent more world wars. It disbanded after failing to prevent World War II. The United Nations was chartered in 1945.
IV. Timeline
A. 28 June, 1914
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
B. 15 September, 1914
Trench warfare on the Western Front begins. The use of trench warfare becomes standard during World War I.
C. 22 April, 1915
Germany begins to use poisonous gas as a chemical weapon against the Allies.
D. 6 April, 1917
In response to a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Germans, the United States President Woodrow Wilson asks Congress to declare war on Germany. This ended the United States' three-year stance of neutrality during World War I.
E. 28 June, 1919
The peace treaty with Germany ending the war, the Treaty of Versailles,is signed into effect.
V. People
A. Military figures
1. Joseph Joffre
French Commander-in-Chief; at first he was very popular, but he didn't anticipate a German invasion through Belgium and he fell from favor.
2. Sir John French
British Commander-in-Chief; he did not cooperate well with the French.
B. Leaders or rulers
Note: Wilhelm II and Nicholas II were first cousins!
1. Kaiser Wilhelm II
German Monarch
2. Tsar Nicholas II
Russian Monarch; his country revolted against the royalty in 1917.
3. Emperor Franz-Josef
Austro-Hungarian Monarch
C. Politicians
1. Woodrow Wilson
President of the United States; he claimed that US entry into WWI would make the world "safe for democracy."
2. Sir Edward Grey
British Foreign Secretary
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