Causes and Alliances That Led to the First World War (WWI)

Causes of the First World War

The First World War.

Causes of the First World War: Increase of colonialism and a growing conflict between economic powers. They had conflicts in Africa. Wars occur.

Imperialism and Economic Rivalry

In the colonies, alliances between European countries began over control of territories; countries sought to exert control in their colonies. If Germany wanted to grow, it had to conquer foreign markets. In the late nineteenth century German products invaded the British market. German goods were perceived as a threat to Britain, which led to the label "MADE IN GERMANY" becoming associated with the need to conquer more markets for profit.

Nationalism and Shifting European Power

There was strong nationalism. Europe was losing hegemony as new powers emerged:

• 1898: war between Spain and the USA
• 1905: war between Russia and Japan

Germany represented a challenge for Britain. As a consequence of these tensions, a number of alliances were formed:

Major Alliance Formations

• 1893: Alliance between France and Russia
• 1904: Agreement between France and Britain
• 1907: Agreement between Britain and Russia

The alliances between France, Britain and Russia included mutual aid: they agreed to help one another if one was attacked.

The Triple Alliance

The Triple Alliance occurred between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. Italy played a double game within the Triple Alliance and also had a secret pact with France.

Balkan Conflicts and Regional Tensions

All these causes produced triggers for wars in the Balkans:

• First Balkan War, 1912: Alliance between the Balkan states to expel Turkey from certain territories; Turkey was expelled from parts of Europe, which led to further conflict.
• Second Balkan War, 1913: Bulgaria tried to expand at the expense of Greece and Serbia.

Bulgaria suffered territorial losses; Serbia was the big winner. Austria-Hungary expected unrest and considered attacking Serbia. Therefore, the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne became the immediate spark for a larger conflict.

From Crisis to World War

Russia supported Serbia. Germany sided with Austria-Hungary. Russia had agreements with Britain and France. These opposing commitments caused a larger conflict across Europe, which became known as World War I, also called the Great War.