Why was World War I
“great”?
Beginning in 1914, World War I engulfed the most powerful
nations in the world, including all of Europe, the United States, and parts of
Asia. Due to misunderstood modern weapons, coupled with old techniques, the war
was destructive to the point that the world was unrecognizable by 1918.
This war saw the end of established monarchies (the Romanov
family of Russia, the Kaisership of Germany), the destruction of ancient
empires (the Ottomans, the Hapsburgs), and the slaughter of essentially an
entire generation (the lost generation).
Because of the utter devastation, World War I became known
as the “war to end all wars”.
However, as we all know, quite the opposite occurred. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles reorganized the borders of many countries,
especially in Europe, and placed much of the blame and responsibility on
Germany. Understandably, Germany was not amused, and their newfound debt gave
rise to Nazism and eventually to *spoiler
alert* World War II. But remember: sequels are never better than the original.
For that reason, WWI is “great”, whereas WWII is just “bad”.
Why did World War I
begin?
·
Imperialism
o The
rush to colonize the globe seized Europe in the late 1800s.
o As
you recall, the stronger European nations, namely France and Britain,
obsessively spread their influence, usually through warfare, through much of
Africa and Asia. Lesser powers, such as Germany, Russia, and Italy, also sought
colonies, but there was not much valuable land left to seize. This led to some
antagonism among the powers of Europe.
o Furthermore,
colonies were sources of considerable, natural wealth (diamonds in Africa,
spices in India). This strengthened and fueled industry in Europe, and the
colonies served as markets. Moreover, Europe’s increase in wealth funded an
augmentation in arms.
o The
extreme increase in wealth and power in respective European nations led to
great national pride. This, in turn, caused distrust and dislike of other
countries.
o The
competition for lands around the world also incited various, complicated
military alliances.
·
Pre-war Alliances
o Otto
Von Bismarck, the genius that he was, was responsible for many alliances that
temporally kept the peace among the nations. He created the Three Emperors’ League, which included
Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia. Despite this alliance, Bismarck
maintained good relations with Britain and Italy. OVB kept France isolated
after the Franco-Prussian War. In a detrimental move, the navy-loving Wilhelm
II impetuously fired Bismarck. Oh no.
o Kaiser
Willy, the Nemo of history for his gimpy arm and inherent need to spite his
father, or OVB (I am aware they are not actually related), refused to renew the Russian-German Reinsurance Treaty,
which ensured neutrality between Russia and Germany obviously.
o Offended
by Germany’s actions, Russia formed a
military alliance with France, Germany’s enemy.
o Because
of Germany’s rapid naval expansion (Kaiser Willy always wanted to emulate
Britain’s navy), relations became tense
between Germany and Britain. Meanwhile, Britain improved relations with the US, Japan, and France. Wow, age
old enemies coming together for like the first time ever.
o Finally,
after the Moroccan crisis, in which Germany attempted to encroach on French
land in Morocco, Germany became
increasingly isolated, in terms of diplomacy, by Britain and France.
o Basically,
without OVB, Kaiser Willy was causing a lot of drama and most major powers were
not okay with it.
·
Assignation of Franz Ferdinand
o Due
to the decline of the Ottoman Empire, which had been around forever
(literally), the rise of nationalist, Balkan states, and Austria’s attempts to
colonize those lands, caused tension between Austria-Hungary and the
Russian-backed Serbia.
o On
June 28, 1914, Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated the Austrian
Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Hapsburg throne, a family who had also been
around forever. This was essentially the “straw that broke he camel’s back”,
meaning it was the event that officially began the war after years of tension.
·
WWI Alliances
o Entente Powers: Britain, France,
Belgium, Russia, USA, Italy (yay!)
o Central Powers: Germany,
Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria (boo, hiss)
o After
Franz Ferdinand’s death, Austria-Hungary called for war with Serbia. Germany allied
with Austria, as their enemy Russia sided with Serbia.
o Germany
took this opportunity to once again attack France. First, however, they invaded
Belgium. This invasion incited war with Britain.
o Initially,
Italy sided with Germany, but eventually joined Britain. (Good choice, Italy).
o Eventually,
the US would enter the war in response to unrestricted German submarine
warfare, despite Woody Wilson’s effort for neutrality.
Why was World War I so
devastating?
·
Arms race
o As
Europe industrialized, armies fueled by modern weapons were hugely increased in
every country. The increase in weapons and armies caused extensive casualties
and destruction. For example, Kaiser Willy attempted to surpass Britain’s navy,
which was arguably the strongest in the world. In doing so, he allowed
unrestricted submarine warfare, which would inevitably bring the US into the
war.
·
Modern technology used with antiquated
techniques
o The
armies attempted to apply modern weapons to old military techniques. This led
to disaster. For example, the invention of the machine gun allowed a soldier to shoot numerous rounds at a time.
Armies still marched in a line during battle, allowing the other side to
essentially obliterate the men on the line. One soldier noted that, “you didn’t
even have to aim”.
o Moreover,
trenches were used, which were depressing cesspools of disease and despair that
apparently reeked of decaying flesh. (ew)
·
Civilians were involved
o This
was the first time civilians were directly involved in war. For example, German
submarines often attacked passenger ships.
o Additionally,
Europe enlisted soldiers from their colonies, solidifying it as an actual world
war. Ex. Britain enlisted thousands of Indians into its army.
Overall, World War I marked the transition of war from a glorious
rite of passage to a manifestation of the cruelty of man. In simpler terms, it
sucked. Also, I blame Kaiser Willy.
Here's John Green's summary of World War I:
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