World War I: A Century of Change and Conflict
The Changing World Order
The dawn of the 20th century witnessed a dramatic shift in global power dynamics. Beyond the rise of Germany’s Weltpolitik, two key transformations reshaped the international landscape. First, the emergence of the United States and Japan as major powers signaled a move from a European-centric world order to a truly global one. The Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 exemplify this shift. Second, the Second Industrial Revolution’s technological advancements spurred a new balance of power, with Germany challenging British hegemony through economic competition and naval expansion.
Colonial Expansion and Rising Tensions
The late 19th century saw a surge in European colonialism, intensifying competition for territories and resources. This struggle, driven by economic, political, and strategic interests, expanded the geographic scope of conflict. The creation of closed imperial economies and the rise of trade protectionism further strained international relations. These factors exacerbated existing rivalries, particularly the Franco-German rivalry stemming from the 1870 annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, and the Austro-Russian rivalry for Balkan dominance. Nationalist sentiment, fueled by the press and influential figures, added to the volatile atmosphere.
The Formation of Alliances (1893-1907)
Amidst growing hostility, two major alliances emerged: the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. Initially, Bismarck’s intricate web of treaties, centered around the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, aimed to maintain the status quo. However, Wilhelm II’s aggressive Weltpolitik undermined this stability, leading to increased competition and mistrust. The Franco-Russian alliance of 1893 marked the end of France’s isolation. Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 shifted its focus to the Balkans, further escalating tensions with Austria-Hungary. In response to Germany’s growing ambitions, France and Britain resolved their colonial differences with the Entente Cordiale in 1904. Finally, the Anglo-Russian agreement of 1907 solidified the Triple Entente, comprising France, Britain, and Russia.
The Road to War (1905-1914)
The decade leading up to the war was marked by four major international crises: two Moroccan crises (1905-1906 and 1911) and two Balkan crises (1908 and 1912-1913). The Moroccan crises highlighted the strength of the Entente Cordiale and further solidified the opposing blocs. The Balkan Wars destabilized the region, with Austria-Hungary annexing Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908. The two subsequent wars involving Balkan states resulted in the Treaty of Bucharest (1913), which strengthened Serbia’s position and fueled Austria-Hungary’s fears of a Slavic uprising. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, provided the spark that ignited the war.
1914: The War of Movement
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