World War I, which erupted in 1914, was defined by a series of pivotal events that influenced the course of the conflict:
1. Alliance Systems:
Europe was starkly divided into two major alliance systems. The Triple Entente comprised France, Russia, and Great Britain, whereas the Triple Alliance included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, though Italy later reneged on its commitment.
2. Naval Arms Race:
A significant factor in the early 20th century was the naval arms race between Britain and Germany. By 1914, Britain had amassed 38 dreadnoughts and dreadnought battle cruisers, surpassing Germany’s fleet of 24.
3. Manpower Advantage:
In 1913-14, the peacetime armies of Russia and France had a combined 928,000 more troops than those of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Additionally, Britain’s peacetime force bolstered the manpower advantage of the Triple Entente.
4. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand:
The assassination of Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo triggered the July Crisis, escalating tensions that would lead to war.
5. First War Declaration:
On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction within the alliance system that led to widespread declarations of war.
6. Schlieffen Plan:
Germany’s strategy, known as the Schlieffen Plan, aimed to quickly defeat France to avoid a two-front war. The plan ultimately failed when the German army was outmaneuvered at the Marne.
7. British Non-Interference:
Approximately three-quarters of the British parliamentary party initially favored “absolute non-interference at any price.” Britain was not treaty-bound to support France or Russia, and many British politicians were opposed to intervention.
8. Belgium’s Sovereignty:
Germany’s invasion of Belgium prompted Britain to declare war on August 4, 1914, in accordance with the Treaty of London (1839), which obligated Britain to defend Belgium’s sovereignty.
9. Ottoman Empire’s Entry:
The Ottoman Empire entered the war on November 1, 1914, following a declaration of war by Russia. Consequently, Russia, France, and Britain were compelled to declare war on the Ottoman Empire after it allied with the Central Powers.
These events collectively set the stage for a devastating conflict that would reshape the world.