By: Vinai Reddy,
Anamika Singh and Emma Hays
Guiding Question: Can a single nation cause a global conflict?
Factors that played a key role in the origin of WW1: Long Term Causes, Immediate Causes and Short Term Causes.
Long Term Causes
Militarism- Tension increased in the Balkans for the Serbians as the Habsburg monarchy saw Serbia as a major problem in the Balkans and the Habsburg monarchy wanted the quash Serbia’s territorial ambitions. To satisfy the Habsburg monarchy needs, the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 was formed. (The Annexation Crisis began on October 5, 1908, when Bulgaria declared its independence followed by the announcement by Austria-Hungary on October 6, 1908, that it was annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ottoman Empire protested this loss of its land, and Russia, Britain, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, and France, and Germany all became involved in this crisis)(McDonough 15). However, Serbia saw the annexation as a threat for Austria and engendered the Balkan League (1912), which consisted of Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro. The Balkan League declared war on Turkey and drove the Turks out of the European territory. However, Bulgaria felt cheated because they received no territorial gain and declared war on Serbia. Serbia won easily, as Bulgaria was isolated and severely weakened. Serbia with an "alliance of Russia had an army of 200,000 men and posed a threat to Bosnia- Herzegovina" (McDonough 14-15).
Alliances: During the first Balkan War, Serbia had an alliance with Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria and Montenegro. However their strongest power was with Russia. Russia agreed to protect Serbia from the threat of Austria Hungary (Mombauer, The Alliance System).
Imperialism- Serbia wanted Bosnia Herzegovina for trade purposes, however they were rejected by Austria Hungary. During the first Balkan War, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece were given all the European territory of the Ottoman Empire except Albania. At the end of the Second Balkan War, Serbia was given "large gains in Macedonia, but was denied the Adriatic port under the Germans and Austrians" (McDonough 14-16).
Nationalism- The Balkans epitomizes the national groups trying to break free from higher power, in this case the Ottoman Empire. During the Balkans, the Serbians and many similar European countries like Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro were under Turkish rule. Through forming alliances with these countries and having strong nationalism Serbia was able to drive the Turks out of the Balkans and gain a plethora of land, almost two times their original size of land (McDonough 15).
Immediate Causes (The July Crisis)
The July Crisis is the most prominent immediate cause of World War I. Serbia played a crucial role in the July Crisis, as did many other countries in Europe. The political climate surrounding Europe in early 1914 was tense, to say the least. Germany and Russia were not getting along favorably, although Anglo-German relations were improving slightly. Many alliances and discords existed between countries, and the atmosphere was delicate. The event that pushed the belligerent nations over the edge was the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, an Austrian archduke, by Serbian nationalists. These extremists were supported by a Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand, which had ties to the Serbian government but was not endorsed or sanctioned by it. In fact, the day after the murder, the Serbian government denounced the Black Hand and closed all public meeting places of the group. However, Austria-Hungary blamed the assassination on the Serbian government and felt compelled to act in retaliation in order to reaffirm their power and discourage further acts against the crown. Germany had also promised its support of Austria-Hungary, regardless of their decision whether to go to war or not. Nearly a month after the assassination, Austria gave Serbia a harsh ultimatum, so harsh, in fact, that it was bound to be rejected. Serbia appealed to Russia for help, and when Russia mobilized its troops Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, leading Germany to declare war on Russia. World War I had begun (The July Crisis and The Death of Ferdinand and the Outbreak of War).
Short Term Causes
THE TWO BALKAN WARS AND THE BOSNIAN CRISIS
Bosnian Crisis
In 1908, a crisis in the Ottoman Empire caused by Young Turks created a revolution against the issue of the Eastern Question. Austria-Hungary reacted by creating an annexation to the provinces, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This annexation created an outrage in Serbia because the people hoped that these provinces would ultimately form part of a “Greater Serbia” and provide access to the Adriatic sea. Unknown to Serbia, the Russian Foreign Minister met with Aehrenthal and secretly gave Russia the acceptance for the annexation (Winter, The Bosnian Crisis).
The Balkan Wars
In 1912, the First Balkan War had been broke out. The Balkan Alliance which included Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia was formed in 1912 after the key purpose was to force “Turkey from the Balkans by taking Macedonia and dividing it up between themselves” (Ch 2. The Causes of World War I). During this time, Turkey was already weakened from a war against Italy the year before and were almost completely taken out of the Balkans very soon. The Austrians were horrified because it could not accept a strengthened Serbia. From this, Austrian generals called on war. There was a danger that Russia would fully support its ally, Serbia which could result into a wider European War. Sir Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary was anxious to stop the war from spreading, so he called a on a peace conference in London. As a result two things occurred: 1. the Turkish lands were divided up between the Balkan states and 2. Austria- Hungary succeeded in containing Serbia by getting the conference to agree to the creation of Albania which was placed between Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. This caused more resentment between Serbia and Austria-Hungary (McDonough 14-15)
Because of many disagreements in the first Balkan War, another war broke out in July 1913, which was known as the Second Balkan War. Over territory occupied by Serbia, Bulgaria called out a war against Serbia and Greece. Bulgarians felt that there were too many of its own people living in areas given by Serbia and Greece known as Macedonia and Salonika. Austria-Hungary asked Germany for assistance, as they knew that Russia would get involved again. Unfortunately, the German government urged Austrian restraint. The results that came out were that the Greeks, Serbs and Turks defeated Bulgaria. The Treaty of Bucharest was then signed in the late summer of 1912. Serbia was then successful again and doubled in size as well (McDonough 15-16)
The victories were a diplomatic success for Russia as for its ally, Serbia after the two wars. From this Austria-Hungary was left to dominate Serbia for its growing power. As this was also a diplomatic defeat for Germany, the people grew closer to Austria-Hungary.
Bosnian Crisis
In 1908, a crisis in the Ottoman Empire caused by Young Turks created a revolution against the issue of the Eastern Question. Austria-Hungary reacted by creating an annexation to the provinces, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This annexation created an outrage in Serbia because the people hoped that these provinces would ultimately form part of a “Greater Serbia” and provide access to the Adriatic sea. Unknown to Serbia, the Russian Foreign Minister met with Aehrenthal and secretly gave Russia the acceptance for the annexation (Winter, The Bosnian Crisis).
The Balkan Wars
In 1912, the First Balkan War had been broke out. The Balkan Alliance which included Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia was formed in 1912 after the key purpose was to force “Turkey from the Balkans by taking Macedonia and dividing it up between themselves” (Ch 2. The Causes of World War I). During this time, Turkey was already weakened from a war against Italy the year before and were almost completely taken out of the Balkans very soon. The Austrians were horrified because it could not accept a strengthened Serbia. From this, Austrian generals called on war. There was a danger that Russia would fully support its ally, Serbia which could result into a wider European War. Sir Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary was anxious to stop the war from spreading, so he called a on a peace conference in London. As a result two things occurred: 1. the Turkish lands were divided up between the Balkan states and 2. Austria- Hungary succeeded in containing Serbia by getting the conference to agree to the creation of Albania which was placed between Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. This caused more resentment between Serbia and Austria-Hungary (McDonough 14-15)
Because of many disagreements in the first Balkan War, another war broke out in July 1913, which was known as the Second Balkan War. Over territory occupied by Serbia, Bulgaria called out a war against Serbia and Greece. Bulgarians felt that there were too many of its own people living in areas given by Serbia and Greece known as Macedonia and Salonika. Austria-Hungary asked Germany for assistance, as they knew that Russia would get involved again. Unfortunately, the German government urged Austrian restraint. The results that came out were that the Greeks, Serbs and Turks defeated Bulgaria. The Treaty of Bucharest was then signed in the late summer of 1912. Serbia was then successful again and doubled in size as well (McDonough 15-16)
The victories were a diplomatic success for Russia as for its ally, Serbia after the two wars. From this Austria-Hungary was left to dominate Serbia for its growing power. As this was also a diplomatic defeat for Germany, the people grew closer to Austria-Hungary.
Conditions in Serbia during 1870-1914
Military
Serbia's expanision in military can primarily be seen in the Balkan Wars. During the Balkan Wars Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece were given all the European territory of the Ottoman Empire except Albania. However, at the end of the Second Balkan War, Serbia was given large gains in Macedonia, but was denied the Adriatic port under the Germans and Austrians. At the end of the wars, Serbia with an alliance with the Russians had an army of 200,000 men (McDonough 15-16)
Economic
Between 1850 and 1876, there was a huge change in foreign trade as it nearly doubled, as there was growing demand for Serbian exports of livestock. Serbia's market of exported livestock was primarily to Austria-Hungary, however the trade also occurred in the opposite way, as most of the Serbian goods were from Austria Hungary. This left Serbia in a situation where they were dependent upon Austria-Hungary for economic trade. However, before the 1880s, Serbia had a very gradual, slow change to industrialization. Serbia created ironworks and also building roads and bridges. Communication efficiency and factories increased as trade regulated throughout Serbia helping Serbia's poor economy. Even though Serbia experienced gradual industrial change, agriculture was still prominent throughout Serbian society and culture (Winter, Economic Policies of Serbia)
Political
During the late 1870’s Serbia introduced a expansionist foreign policy with the aim to liberate the Serbians who still remained in the surrounding Ottoman and Habsburg lands. This plan was called the Greater Serbian plan. This plan demonstrated nationalism within Serbia as its primary goal was to make Serbia a combined, unified nation and imperialize. This policy would spark the tension in the Balkan region, as Serbia’s territorial goals were the territories of strong empires like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire (Winter, Expansionist Policies of Serbia)
Social
Nationalism had a huge role to play in the social life of Serbia, especially after the tensions in the Balkan Wars and the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nationalism in Serbia was also one of the major sparks for the initiation of WW1 as the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, was shot by a Serbian extremist group who was fueled by nationalism. Even in terms of ethnic population, nationalism played a huge role as nearly 90% of the ethnic population was Serbians, increasing the nationalism within society (The Death of Arch-Duke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of WW1).
Questions
1. What constitutes major power status?
Military is a major power status of Serbia. With a strong military force, Serbia appeared to be undefeatable. Another factor is land. In Serbia, it wanted to annex the lands around it to create a “Greater Serbia:. This was to liberate all Serbs from imperial domination. The annexation would allow Serbia to have access to the Adriatic Sea for trade.
2. What were the relative strengths and weaknesses of the powers?
The weaknesses of Serbia included their size of their country. Because of its small size, it was not seen as a threat to other European nations. Serbia also did not have access to the Adriatic Sea and planned on expanding their land but Austria-Hungary always came into the dilemma. Another aspect was that their national seemed radical and inconsistent. Because of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, this caused a secret group to act out against Austria-Hungary.
The strengths of Serbia was mostly their military. After the 2nd Balkan war, Serbia had attained a powerful army. Serbia also had major allies to support their country in fall of war.
The strengths of Serbia was mostly their military. After the 2nd Balkan war, Serbia had attained a powerful army. Serbia also had major allies to support their country in fall of war.
3. By 1914, which of the powers constituted the greater threat to peace, and why?
Serbia and Austria-Hungary served to the greater threat to peace. With surrounding Serbs, Southern Slavs and peasants wanting to break apart from Austria-Hungary to join the nation of Serbia, it performed as a threat to Austria-Hungary to join the nation of Serbia. With its aggressive expansion in growing military, Serbia became a power to be feared and also the greater threat to peace.
In conclusion: Can a single nation cause a global conflict?
No, a single nation cannot cause a global conflict. It takes more than one nation to fight with each other, and although it may seem in various occurrences throughout history that a single nation has caused a global conflict, many nations are actually at the root of every global conflict in history. World War I, for example, was not solely initiated by Germany, as some believe, but Germany had the help of Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Russia, and Great Britain in beginning the war. If Austria-Hungary had declared war, for example, but the majority of other European nations did not support it, they could prevent Austria-Hungary from creating a global conflict. In order for a global conflict to occur, many nations must be willing to fight and a single nation standing alone cannot force a continent of nations to engage in war if not supported by another nation or group.
Citations
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"Austria-Hungary." Assassination of Franz Ferdinand. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWarchdukeMe.jpg>.
"Extreme Nationalism." Serbia. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. < http://www.google.com/imgres?q=good+nationalism&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&biw=1024&bih=889&tbm=isch&tbnid=vrz883U2qamf0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.kabobfest.com/2011/08/the-failure-of-nationalism.html&docid=6FTwUwEo--jjxM&imgurl=http://www.kabobfest.com/wp-con>.
"July Crisis." Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <cnparm.home.texas.net/Wars/JulyCrisis/JulyCrisis00.htm>.
MOMBAUER, ANNIKA. "Alliance System." Europe 1789-1914:
Encyclopedia of the Age of Industry and Empire. Ed. John
Merriman and Jay Winter. Vol. 1. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons,
2006. 47-50. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 15 Sep. 2012.
"Outbreak of World War I: Did Germany Cause World War I?" History in Dispute. Ed. Paul du Quenoy. Vol. 16: Twentieth-Century European Social and Political Movements: First Series. Detroit: St. James Press, 2004. 192-198.Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 14 Sep. 2012.
"Serbian flag." Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=serbia+flag&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=889&tbm=isch&tbnid=f-Ttnk5HlZNIrM:&imgrefurl=http://www.flags.net/SERB.htm&docid=To-Ej4vnY_4jGM&imgurl=http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/SERB0001.GIF&w=388&h=260&ei=1>.
"Serbian nationalism." Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=serbian+nationalism+ww1&num=10&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&biw=1024&bih=889&tbm=isch&tbnid=svMC7wUWxdlx0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/12/what-started-world-war-i/&docid=rjWgNweT-23z_M&imgurl=http://www>.
"The Death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts." History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <http://www.history.com/topics/the-death-of-archduke-franz-ferdinand-and-the-outbreak-of--world-war-i>.
The Origins of the First World War, 1871-1914, McDonough, Chapter 1, Print
"World War I." Europe Since 1914: Encyclopedia of the Age of War and Reconstruction. Ed. John Merriman and Jay Winter. Vol. 5. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2006. 2751-2766. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 15 Sep. 2012.