Colonialism, WWI, and Their Consequences: A Global Perspective

Causes of Colonialism

Demography

• Population growth (Emigration; America, Africa, Australia).
• Economy

Economic

• Search for new markets: to get raw materials/to sell manufactured products.
• Thanks to the transport revolution (steam ships).

Politics

• Developed countries looked for dominance (expansionist policies).

The Berlin Conference

Before 1885, one powerful country could occupy new territory and simply say "this belongs to us now!".

After 1884, countries had to agree to the principle of "effective occupation". This meant that they had to administer the country, not just possess it. Africa was divided up mainly between Great Britain and France. This was supposed to reduce the possibilities of conflict over colonial territories. Holding the conference in Germany gave extra status to Bismarck. It gave him (and Germany) a very high profile - which is what he wanted.

Consequences of Colonialism

Except for Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (Colonies which were used to reduce the demographic pressure on Britain).

Demographic Consequences

• Growth due to medical advances.

Economic Consequences

• Single-crop agriculture serving the colonial power's domestic needs.
• No industrialization: the colonies merely provided markets.
• Mining.

Cultural Consequences

• Imposition of European languages, religion, and customs.

Political Consequences

• Artificial borders.

Social Consequences

• Destruction of ethnic structures.

World War I

Tension Factors

Patriotism

• People were deeply patriotic and wanted their country to be the best.

Arms Race

• Germany, Russia, Britain were building up lots of warships.

War Plans

• In 1914, the situation in Europe was tense. Secret alliances and the desire to grow empires had built up a dangerous "climate of war".

Kaiser

• Germany had become very strong and its rivals were suspicious of their ruler, Wilhelm I.

Colonial Empires

• Some European countries, such as France and Britain, had created large worldwide empires and had become rich. Other European countries, such as Russia and Germany, wanted to create their own vast empires. This caused competition and conflict between many of the countries throughout the world.

Alliances

• In the years before the war, the nations of Europe were constantly making alliances. Germany made an alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy in 1881 (Triple Alliance).

The Outbreak of the War (The Spark)

In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist student. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and Serbia was supported by the Triple Entente. Austria was supported by the Triple Alliance.

Phases of the War

1. Movement Phase (1914): Germany attacked Belgium according to the plans prepared before, but: the Belgian army slowed them down, the British helped them, and the Russians attacked Germany from the east.
2. Trench Warfare (1915-16): Both sides dug trenches. The trench lines stretched from the Belgian coast to Switzerland. The land between the two sides was called "no man's land".
3. Final Phase (1917-18): Two decisive events: in October, a revolution took place in Russia, and the new government signed a treaty with Germany and pulled out of the war. The USA joined the British and the French. The USA joined the war because U-boats were sinking their supply ships.