In the early 1900s, many European countries increased their military might and were ready and willing put it to use. By the end of August 1914, the so-called “entangled alliances” had caused what should have been a regional conflict to expand to all of Europe’s powerful states. Soon, Europe was divided into two groups: The Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy and the Allies, which included Russia, France and Britain.Īs war was declared, the allied countries emboldened each other to enter the fray and defend their treaties, although not every coalition was set in stone-Italy later changed sides. In 1907, Great Britain, Russia and France formed the Triple Entente to protect themselves against Germany’s growing threat. In 1882, Italy joined their alliance (The Triple Alliance) and Russia responded in 1894 by allying with France. In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary allied against Russia. Entangled alliances created two competing groups Kings William I, Franz Josef and Umberto I, on the occasion of the signing of the Triple Alliance, Treaty between the German Empire, Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Italy, 1882. Nationalism played a specific role in World War I when Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist terrorist group fighting against Austria-Hungary’s rule over Bosnia. For instance, after Germany dominated France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, France lost money and land to Germany, which then fueled French nationalism and a desire for revenge. This widespread nationalism is thought to be a general cause of World War I. In some cases, however, imperialism fed nationalism as some groups claimed superiority over others. As people took more pride in their country and culture, their desire to rid themselves of imperial rule increased. The rise of nationalism undermined diplomacyĭuring the 19th century, rising nationalism swept through Europe. As countries vied for position, tensions rose, and they formed alliances to position themselves for European dominance. With the British Empire extending to five continents and France controlling many African colonies, Germany wanted a larger slice of the territorial pie. New industrial and manufacturing technologies created the need to dominate new territories and their natural resources, including oil, rubber, coal, iron and other raw materials. Limited industrial resources fueled the imperialist expansionĪ state’s desire to expand its empire was nothing new in European history, but by the early 20th century the Industrial Revolution was in full force. Within days, Germany declared war on Russia-Serbia’s ally-and invaded France via Belgium, which then caused Britain to declare war on Germany. Austria-Hungary was furious and, with Germany’s support, declared war on Serbia on July 28. Their luck ran out later that day, however, when their driver inadvertently drove them past 19-year-old Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip who shot and killed Franz Ferdinand and his wife at point-blank range. As they headed toward their destination, they narrowly escaped death when Serbian terrorists threw a bomb at their open-topped car. On June 28, the couple went to the capital city of Sarajevo to inspect the imperial troops stationed there. Franz Ferdinand, archduke of Austria, and his wife Sophie riding in an open carriage at Sarajevo shortly before their assassination.
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