The World in 1914 and the Outbreak of World War I

Pre-War Tensions

• Technological and Cultural Era: 1914 was marked by modern technology, culture, and fashion.
• Anticipation of War: General awareness that a major war was brewing.
• National Ambitions:
  • France wanted to reclaim territories from Germany.
  • Germany desired more territorial expansion and had a growing navy that threatened Britain.
  • Austria-Hungary had internal unrest with Serbs and Bosnians desiring independence.
• Russia’s Influence: Supported independence movements in Austria-Hungary.
• Military Advancements: Progress in military technology since the last major conflict.

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

• Event: Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serb nationalist.
• Immediate Consequences:
  • Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, suspecting governmental involvement.
  • Austria-Hungary sought support from Germany to declare war on Serbia.

Escalation to World War

• Alliances and Declarations:
  • Austria-Hungary, supported by Germany, declared war on Serbia.
  • Russia, allied with Serbia, France, and later Montenegro, declared war back.
  • Germany executed a strategy to quickly defeat France before focusing on Russia.
• Neutrality Violations:
  • Germany invaded Belgium (neutral) to bypass French defenses.
  • This prompted Britain to declare war on Germany due to Belgium’s neutrality being violated.
• Global Reactions:
  • Germany’s actions were viewed negatively, leading to worldwide propaganda efforts against them, influencing opinions in places like the USA.
  • US initially attempted mediation under President Woodrow Wilson.

The Western Front and Trench Warfare

• Initial German Advances:
  • Germans advanced quickly towards Paris but faced resistance.
  • A strategic gap allowed the Allies to counter-attack, causing German retreat.
• Development of Trench Warfare:
  • Both sides dug in, creating a stalemate across the Western Front from the coast to Switzerland.
  • Trench Warfare Dynamics:
    • Continuous artillery bombardments caused psychological trauma.
    • Attacks across no man's land led to heavy casualties.
    • Minimal territorial gains relative to loss of life.
  • Living Conditions:
    • Soldiers faced horrible conditions: mud, disease, rats, and constant danger.

Eastern Front Developments

• Germany vs. Russia:
  • Despite Austria-Hungary's struggles, Germany successfully engaged Russian forces in the north.
  • Austria-Hungary faced setbacks against smaller nations like Serbia, revealing military weaknesses.

Conclusion

• The initial phase of the war revealed outdated military doctrines were ill-suited to modern warfare, leading to severe human costs and prolonged engagements.