The Bismarckian System and the Origins of World War I

His policy focused on the creation of a series of international alliances, known as the Bismarckian system, which aimed to isolate France. France, which resented the loss of Alsace and Lorraine during the Franco-Prussian War, could pose a threat to the stability of the newly created German state. It affirmed the hegemony of Germany in the world.

The Era of the Armed Peace (1871-1914)

The period between 1871 and 1914 is known as the Armed Peace because, although military forces were developed, there were almost no wars in Europe. It was thought that peace was assured forever, but disputes between the colonial powers, mutual jealousies, and the drive to be better armed than other nations would eventually truncate these hopes.

Primary Causes of the First World War

The reasons for the outbreak and the causes that led to the First World War were:

• Territorial claims: Such as those of Russia and Austria-Hungary, which had interests in the Balkans, and the friction between France and Germany over the territories of Alsace and Lorraine.
• Economic rivalry: Between Germany and the UK, a struggle emerged for dominance in international trade.
• Colonial interests: These were fomented by Germany in an attempt to gain colonial territories.
• The formation of two alliance blocks: The Triple Alliance (composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (composed of France, Britain, and Russia).

Belligerent Countries and the Global Conflict

During the conduct of the war, other nations sided with each of the warring blocks, turning it into a global conflict.

The Triple Alliance (Central Powers)

The Triple Alliance was joined by Turkey and Bulgaria, while Italy eventually left to join the opposing side. This nation bloc was called the Central Powers.

The Triple Entente (Allied Powers)

The Triple Entente was joined by Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Japan, and—decisively, although tardily—the United States. This group of countries received the name of the Entente or the Allies.

The Outbreak of War

In July 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, whom they blamed for the bombing of Sarajevo in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. From that moment, the European nations stood for one of the two warring parties.