Module 1: Causes of WWI

Causes of World War I

The causes of World War I were deeply rooted in the complex political landscape of early 20th-century Europe, significantly influenced by the unification of Germany in 1871. This unification not only transformed Germany into a powerful empire but also disrupted the existing balance of power among European nations. The newly established German Empire sought to assert its influence on the continent and expand its colonial holdings, leading to heightened imperial rivalry with established powers like the British Empire and the French Empire. As these nations competed for global dominance, the struggle for colonies intensified, culminating in the Scramble for Africa, where European powers raced to acquire territory and resources.

Colonialism exacerbated tensions, as nations like Britain, France, and Germany vied for supremacy in Africa and beyond. The competition for colonies fueled national pride and economic interests, creating friction between empires. The German Empire's ambitions often clashed with those of the British and French, leading to conflicts over territorial claims and trade routes. Nationalism also played a crucial role, particularly in regions like the Balkans, where various ethnic groups sought independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This rise in nationalist sentiment was a significant threat to the empires, leading to fears of internal dissent and external aggression, which only heightened the sense of insecurity among the major powers.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in June 1914 became the spark that ignited these longstanding tensions into a full-scale conflict. Ferdinand, who was next-in-line to become the leader of Austria-Hungary, was murdered by a Serbian nationalist.  This triggered a series of diplomatic crises and military mobilizations that rapidly escalated into war. Austria-Hungary's response, backed by Germany, included an ultimatum to Serbia that ultimately led to the declaration of war. The interconnected alliances of the time meant that this localized conflict quickly drew in the major powers, including the Russian Empire, which supported Serbia, and the British Empire, which entered the war to protect its interests and allies. The culmination of these factors—nationalism, imperial rivalry, and the quest for colonial dominance—created a volatile environment that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I.