The War to End all Wars

1. The War to End all Wars 6.1 | The First World War

2. Relative Peace • By 1914, political systems had brought relative stability • Alliance systems, imperialism, dominance • International Olympic Games • 1896 • First Universal Peace Conference • 1899 • “The future belongs to peace” – Frederic Passy • “I shall not live to see the Great War, but you will see it, and it will start in the east” – Otto von Bismarck

3. The Alliance Systems • To protect each other, European powers joined alliances • The Triple Alliance (The Central Powers) • Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary • Later the Ottoman Empire • The Triple Entente (The Allied Powers) • Great Britain, France, and Russia • Later Japan and the USA

4. Militarism Unleashed 150,000 1,900,000 1,400,000 In other words, it’s on steroids 450,000 1,300,000

5. Competition and Jealousy Britain and France – maintain status Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire – survive Germany – Gain status Russia – feared by all for its potential

6. The German Threat Britain and France feared its growing power Overseas confrontations take Europe to the brink of war Britain and France solidify their ties against Germany Propaganda develops to “dehumanize” threats

7. Nationalism’s Dark Side Pride in each nation’s growing power increases rivalry The people of the nations are willing to go to war “Pan-Slavism” – Russia to help all Slavic nations

8. The Powder Keg The Balkans erupt Nationalist revolutions against Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire Russia looking on as the “big brother” to the Slavs Great Britain, France, and Germany hold their breath

9. “The Deep Breath Before the Plunge” Sarajevo, Serbia (modern day Bosnia) 1914 Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary visits to qualm dissidence The Serbian “Black Hand” nationalist organization assassinates Francis Ferdinand and his wife during an official procession June 28th, 1914 | How will Austria-Hungary respond?

10. The Ultimatum WWI Germany ;) • The world is shocked • Austria-Hungary is wary of war • Germany advises a strong response to Serbia • Offered a “blank check” to deal with the situation, no matter what the cost • Austria-Hungary sends an ultimatum • Serbia accepts most terms but ultimately rejects • July 28th, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

11. The Alliance System Kicks In • Russia moves to support Serbia – “Pan-Slavism” • Mobilization of armed forces • France supports Russia (its ally) in its decision • Germany, fearing the worst case scenario – war on two fronts – decides to act while it can • Declares war on Russia (the weaker of the two) • Russia sends word to France for support – accepted • Germany sends word to France – back down – refused • Germany declares war on France

12. The First Moves • Britain and Italy remained undecided • Germany invades neutral Belgium • To gain an element of surprise on France • The Schlieffen Plan – August 4, 1914 • Knock out France quick while Russia mobilizes • Britain commits to the Allies - August 4, 1914

13. The Great War Begins Young men from all nations rush to enlist Moment of national glory Women cheer their men off It would be the most devastating and senseless slaughter in human history