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Alliances in 1914
The picture, "A Chain of Friendship", demonstrates how the Alliance web easily resulted in World War 1 following one nation declaring war on another.
“If Austria attacks Serbia, Russia will fall upon Austria, Germany upon Russia, and France and England upon Germany." Truly, a domino effect! -
Militarism
Militarism is the boistering of military power, seeing is as a very important focus to help improve a nation's might and international diplomacy.
This system results in military personnel essentially controlling the nation, and the focus on anything military pushes civilians down as less essential. It encourages the strengthening and aggressive use of military might. Militarism goes hand-in-hand with Nationalism and Imperialism. -
Imperialism
Imperialism is bringing lesser territories under one's control, thus increasing that nation's power. Everyone loves power. Nations often raced to take all the territory they could get, which could be disastrous if two(or more) Imperialistic, Nationalistic, and Militaristic nations wanted the same area. -
Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism in 1914
Preceding the Great War was a global "phase" where many countries were feeling a high level of Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism. These 3 terms can cause a lot of issues with others due to the pride and eagerness to prove one's power, akin to an aggressive, territorial animal in a social setting. As they also are intrinsically linked to each-other, often a combination of them will be present. Before WW1, this combination clouded the minds of nations, leading to slippery choices. -
Nationalism
When Patriotism goes too far, you get Nationalism - almost fanatical loyalty to one's nation, wishing to express that nation's power and greatness over all others with ludicrous levels of bias. In turn, this results in a severe negative bias towards any other nation - whilst 2 Patriotic nations may get along with respect, 2 Nationalist nations will look ill on each-other. Often, Militarism can "prove" that power and Imperialism can demonstrate the growth of that power. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie Duchess of Hohenberg were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, although he was not the only one who attempted the assassination on that day (everyone else failed). This knocked down the first domino leading to World War 1. -
Germany "Blank Check" to Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary was politically livid at the assassination of their Archduke, and Serbia was unwilling to cooperate with an investigation regarding it. Germany gave Austria-Hungary a reassurance of "unconditional support", giving Austria-Hungary the confidence to declare war on Serbia, resulting in the domino effect that is the beginning of the Great World War #1. -
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World War 1
This Great War! Considered to be among the bloodiest of wars, and an example of overpowered defense capabilities and underpowered offensive capabilities. It all began from the assassination of Austria's Archduke, resulting in an alliance-bound sequence of war declarations and just chaos. It has a sequel, known as World War 2. -
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Alliances, July Crisis, and beginning of World War 1
Austria-Hungary was mobilizing for war against Serbia. Allies of both threatened others not to interfere with ultimatums, truly resembling a line of dominoes falling down. This is the July Crisis, marks the start of World War 1, and demonstrates the complex system of alliances. -
The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
A British Ocean Liner, by the name of RMS Lusitania, was sunk by a German U-boat. The Ocean Liner was unarmed and caused an uproar of negative opinion at Germany, but carried a substantial amount of ammunition to allied forces, and belonged to a country in direct combat with Germany. The collateral damage of ~100 American deaths on-board (worst decision of their life) got America's attention and strained its position of neutrality. -
Zimmermann Telegraph
The Zimmermann Telegraph was a secret message from Germany to Mexico(intended receiver), asking Mexico to declare war on the United States should it declare war on Germany. In return, after a German victory, Mexico would be awarded territories it lost to the United States in a previous war. It was intercepted by British Officials and sent to the US, whom was livid. Mexico likely would not have accepted, everyone knew this, but the fact that Germany attempted it made the US furious. -
United States for the Allies
Alas, President Wilson's struggle to keep the US neutral has finally failed, with the atrocities (both real and exaggerated) committed by Germany stacking up. In the end, the United States had just about enough of Germany, and entered the war on the side of the Allies via declaring war on Germany. Germany, who was weak from war with the Allies, could not possibly cope with the addition of a powerful nation like US. (Couldn't find a good picture illustrating this event) -
Full-on Submarine Assault
Germany's usage of submarines to sink ships were suspended for a time in response to complaints by several neutral countries (such as the United States). However, on this day, Germany resumed Submarine Warfare and made it completely unrestricted, as it was growing desperate. Naturally, this infuriated aforementioned neutral countries, especially the United States, whom's entrance into the war was imminent. -
Aftermath of World War I
The end of World War 1 caused a great many changes not related to the Treaty of Versailles. Effects such as:
-Separated ethnic groups.
-Communist revolutions in several nations.
-Germany was crippled, and Germans angry at the one-sided "treaty".
-Russia lost several territories and became the Soviet Union after a communist revolution.
-Austria-Hungary became disillusioned and collapsed.
-Ottoman Empire was undone.
-Great Britian in major debt.
-All nations suffered emotionally from the trauma. -
Rise of Hitler
Hitler began his rise to power by joined the political group of Deutsche Arbeiterpartei – DAP (German Workers' Party - later adding "National Socalist"). This party became the Nazi Party that encouraged extreme nationalism and pan-Germanism. Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, likely due to his skills in persuasion.
Thanks to his skills as a speaker, organizer, and leader, the Nazis eventually became the largest party in the Reichstag. "World War, Episode 2: Germany Strikes Back!" -
Treaty of Versailles
Following an Allied Victory of World War 1, the Treaty of Versailles was enacted.
Although President Wilson of the US continuously attempted to promote peaceful ends and collaboration, he failed miserably. Germany was harshly punished in all ways, and was accused of starting the war (it was really Austria-Hungary's fault, and it paid for that mistake with its very existence). ...anger surrounded the Germans...
...and they too became angry...
...and you won't like them when their angry... -
The Dawes Plan and the Young Plan
The Treaty of Versailles demanded Germany to pay the Allies for destruction caused by the war, despite Germany being economically crippled.
At the same time, the US wanted repayment for its expense to the Allied Powers during the war (debts ahoy!), and trying to save Germany's econ. DAWES: 1923- Germany will pay over time, starting low and increasing with its economy's health.
YOUNG: 1928- Reduce payment, float a loan in foreign markets, and an international bank so Germany can deliver payment. -
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The Great Depression
Originating in the United States, the Great Depression was a severe global drop in industrial capacity, affecting many of the nations involved in the Great War. The more heavily industrialized a city is, the harder it was hit. Mining and Logging suffered extremely, and construction halted. It all began from a Stock Market Crash, known as "Black Thursday" on October 24, 1929, followed by "Black Tuesday", on October 29, 1929. Economy and growth of nations were crippled. It was the dark ages.
