Labor Movement Growth and World War I Origins

Association and Second International Impulse

The expansion of the labor movement involved a growth in the number of affiliated national unions and socialist parties. To counter this, business organizations appeared, provoking strikes, closing businesses, or creating company unions that obeyed employer instructions.

Restoration and Key Agreements

In this context of expanding trade unionism and socialism, the IWA congress was restored in Paris, coinciding with the Universal Exposition. During this event, it was agreed to campaign for the 8-hour working day and to organize demonstrations on May 1st. The congress was primarily organized in Brussels, where the most prominent members of European socialism were present.

Consolidation of the Organization

The organization consolidated by establishing a permanent International Committee in Brussels that met annually. Topics for discussion included the role of women, Marxism, and critical problems such as war, imperialism, and the general strike.

The End of the Second International

The Second International concluded with the outbreak of World War I, as French and German national unions defended their national interests, acting contrary to the International's directives.

Causes of World War I

Key factors included the political rivalry between Austria-Hungary and Russia over the Balkans, the Anglo-Germanic naval rivalry, and deep enmity between the Germans and the French.

• Economic Causes: German need to conquer new markets.
• European Division: Europe was divided into two blocks (Triple Alliance and Triple Entente). This polarization into two main armed camps led directly to increased international tension.
• Public Opinion Concern: Governments were forced to emphasize the imminent danger of war.
• External Conflicts Supplemented by Internal Crises:
  • Austro-Hungarian Empire: In danger of disintegration.
  • German Empire: Diplomatic failures created uncertainty and anxiety.
  • Russian Empire: Weak and on the brink of revolution.
  • France: The President appealed to the feeling of revenge.
  • Britain: Ruled by alarm over the German naval threat.