Origins of the First World War and Peace Settlements

Causes of the First World War

Rivalry Between European Powers

• Relations between France and Germany were strained by the Franco-Prussian War.
• Colonial problems exacerbated tensions.
• The Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia also struggled to control the Balkans.
• Both the United Kingdom and other European powers competed for control over territories and markets.

Formation of Blocs and the Arms Race

• Two major blocs formed: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary) and the Triple Entente (Russia, France, and the UK joined later).
• Regarding armaments, between 1890 and 1912, military spending doubled, conscription was widely adopted, and investment in arms increased significantly.
• Public opinion was increasingly in favor of war.

Colonial Problems

Germany supported the independence of Morocco (a French protectorate). In Tangier, the German Emperor landed and supported the Sultan of Morocco, causing a crisis resolved by the Treaty of Algeciras.

Later, the German battleship "Panther" was sent to Agadir, causing rebels to lay siege. France went there to help the Sultan, but its actions were interpreted by Germany as an invasion and a breach of the Algeciras agreement. Germany sent the "Panther" again, forcing France to cede territory in Cameroon.

The Crisis in the Balkans

The Ottoman Empire was losing influence in the region, leading many European countries to desire control and several Balkan nations to achieve independence. Two main problems arose:

• Territorial Disputes: Austria-Hungary and Russia sought internal control, while Serbia aimed for a "Greater Serbia" uniting all Serbs.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Congress of Berlin had placed Bosnia and Herzegovina under Austro-Hungarian administration, though nominally still part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1908, Austria-Hungary decided to annex Bosnia, provoking protest from Serbia. The UK, France, and Russia initially protested but eventually supported Austria-Hungary's action.

Later, a Balkan League was created by Balkan countries with Russian support, successfully expelling the Turks from most of the region. Serbia helped other countries increase their territory, and Russia increased its influence. A consequence of these wars was the increased clash between the interests of the Balkans, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.

Treaties of Peace

Paris Peace Conference (Treaty of Versailles)

Points presented by President Wilson (USA):

• Suppression of Secret Diplomacy: Secret agreements between states, unknown to other countries, should be abolished. Agreements must be public.
• Freedom of Navigation and International Trade: Promotion of free trade, avoiding protectionism.
• Reduction of Armaments: A general reduction in national armaments.
• Self-Determination: European empires should disappear. Recognition of the right to independence for nations.
• Creation of the League of Nations: An international organization where countries are represented on equal terms, among other things, to prevent future wars.