THE FIRST WORLD WAR (1914-18)
CAUSES OF THE FIRST WORLD
WAR (1914-1918)
The First World War was different from other wars as it was fought on a
worldwide scale, used new methods of destruction and defence. The causes
were many.
CAUSES
Franco-German Rivalry: France defeated by Germany in 1870-71. Alsace and Lorraine
(rich in mineral deposits) taken away from France. France wanted revenge. Morocco
became a cause of conflict also as both wanted it.
Division of Europe into Two Hostile Camps: Alliances divided Europe.
A Dual Alliance: With Austria in 1879, Italy joined it in 1882 and made it a Triple
Alliance. France, Russia and England formed a Triple Entente in 1907 against the Triple
Alliance. Later Japan joined T.E. and Turkey T.A.
Arms Race: Germany started arming itself to the teeth, startcd an arms race in Europe
between the rival group.
Role of Newspapers: Newspapers created bad blood by their hostile propoganda and
created an atmosphere of mistrust.
Agressive Nationalism: Each country demanded the best for their own people
supported their own national interests.
Imperialistic Interests Clashed: France wanted Alsace and Lorraine back. Germany
wanted to expand her empire. Comflict with England and France in colonies (African).
Germany's Ambitions: Germany wanted to be supreme in Europe. German king, Kaiser
William II, arrogant, hot-headed and ambitious, made England, France and Russia his
enemies. Germany challenged the naval power of England. It led to conflict as England
wanted to reign as the supreme naval power.,
Continu.....
Enmity between Russia and Austria: Austria always opposed Serbia while Russia gave
it blind support. Austria seized Herzegovina and Bosnia from Serbia, which led to
Hostilities between Austria and Serbia.
Secret Diplomacy: Secret diplomacy of which the people knew nothing, created
hatred and tension. There was no international organisation at this time to enforce
international laws.
Immediate Cause : The Archduke of Austria, Prince Ferdinand, was murdered in the
Bosnian capital of Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.
• The murderer was a Serbian.
• Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia.
• On Russian instigation, Serbia refused to comply.
• Austria declared war against Serbian on July 28, 1914.
• It immediately became the First World War.
• As France and Russia rushed to help Serbia.
• Germany declared war against Russia.
• England kept out at first, but when Germany attacked Belgium, England was
compelled to join to safeguard Belgiums neutrality.
• One one side the Allies : Serbia, England, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and America.
• On the other the Central Powers : Germany, Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria.
EVENTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR
For the first 3 years, Germany seemed to be winning. It reached upto 20 miles of
Paris. Advance checked in the Battle of Maine, famous for French warfare.
Eastern Front The Germans, under Hidenburg, defeated Russia. In 1916,
Germany captured Bucharest, capital of Romania. Turkey joined Germany, so did
Bulgaria, defeated Serbia in 1915.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE FIRST
WORLD WAR
Loss of Men and Money : In calculable loss of men and money. So lakhs killed, 60
lakhs disabled and about I crore and 20 lakhs wounded. Lakhs went missing.
86 Large and small nations took part in the war.
The First World War was a victory for Nationalism. Many empires — like the
German, the Austrion. The Russian and the Ottoman Empires in Europe
vanished and many small states were created.
With the disappearance of Empires, many monarchs were dethroned in Europe.
The Romonovs of Russia (Tsars) were deposed. Emperor Kaiser of Germany
(Hohenzollerns) and Hapsburgs of Austria were deposed. It was a victory -for
democracy and people were given more political rights. Democratic rule
established in Germany, Austria and Russia. Many countries could not solve the
political and economic problems caused by the war, and democracy failed in
these countries. It led to the rise of dictatorship. Dictators use the powers in
Russia, Germany and Italy and peoples right to freedom of speech were taken
away.
League of Nations was established to stop wars among nations. It failed to keep
peace in the long run because of rivalry among nations.
Economic conflicts arose because of the deplorable condition of people after the
war. Huge expenditure on arms, heavy taxes were imposed. Imperialism raised
its ugly head as each country tried to expand its colonies to develop its own
trade and industries.
The United 'States of America emerged as a leading power. The European
Markets came under the influence of USA, as many European nations took loans
from it to solve their economic crisis.
The Treaty of Versailles was extremely unjust to Germany and its allies like
Austria, Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria etc. This treaty sowed the seeds of Second
World War, as the humiliated countries tried to regain their prestige.
Criticism of the Treaty of Versailles
The treaty was very unjust to the defeated nations. It led to the feeling of
humiliation, anger and a desire to take revenge.
The treaty led to the rise of Dictators like Hitler who refused to accept it and
violated every term. Fie began to expand his military power. Europe was
divided into two rural groups and cold war began. It led to the second world
war.
Failure of the League of Nations. It failed to maintain peace and solve
military, political and social problems.
In Favour of the Treaty
Germany had to evacuate territories seized during the War.
Many new states created on the principle of nationality eg. Poland, Finland,
Czechoslovakia, and Latvia.
Birth of League of Nations.