Imperialism, WWI Causes, Events, and Treaty

Understanding Imperialism (1875-1914)

Imperialism: A historical phenomenon that developed further between 1875 and 1914. It involved a set of European countries, Japan, and the U.S. colonizing other countries in Africa, Asia, and America.

What is Protectionism?

Protectionism: Is the increase in tariffs, making products from other countries more expensive.

Causes of Imperialism

• Economic: The mother country sold goods in the colony, invested capital, exploited labor, and obtained cheaper raw materials.
• Political: To be a major power, a country needed colonies.
• Strategic: Seizing areas near coastal regions was important.
• Demographic: Colonies served as an outlet for excess population.
• Cultural: The idea of civilizing other areas.

The Era of Armed Peace (1871-1914)

A stage in European history starting in 1871 (German unification) and ending in 1914 with World War I. There were no major wars, but underlying tensions led to an arms race.

Causes of Tension:

1. Imperial expansion.
2. Consequences of the Franco-Prussian War.
3. The situation in the Balkans.

Alliances:

• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy.
• Triple Entente: Russia, France, Great Britain.

Causes of World War I

• Economic: Germany's rise as a major power threatened France and the UK.
• Imperialist rivalries split Europe into two opposing blocs.
• Rivalry between Germany and France.

Trigger Event of WWI

The heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serb. Austria accused Serbia of providing arms and money to Bosnian terrorists and declared war. Existing alliances caused the war to spread throughout Europe.

WWI Contending Powers

• Central Powers: Austria.
• Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, Russia, USA.
• Neutral: Spain, Nordic countries.

Phases of World War I (1914-1918)

1. War of Movement: To avoid a two-front war, Germany planned to attack France through Belgium, but Great Britain joined the war and halted the German advance.
2. War of Attrition: The two fronts stabilized, and large trenches were built by both sides. This led to a stalemate, causing massive casualties on both sides.
3. The End of the War: In 1917, Russia withdrew from the war due to a revolution. The U.S. entered the war because German submarines had sunk several ships and the U.S. had economic interests in France and the UK.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

In 1919, representatives of the victorious countries met in Versailles: Wilson (U.S.), Clemenceau (France), and Lloyd George (Great Britain). Wilson proposed his 14 Points as a basis for a long and lasting peace.

Harsh Conditions for Germany:

• Territorial: Its colonies were divided, Alsace and Lorraine were returned to France, and Poland was re-established.
• Military: Compulsory military service was abolished, and its army was limited to 100,000 men.
• Economic: Germany had to pay significant reparations to compensate the Allies for their losses.