Lecture Notes: Introduction to "The Great War"

Introduction

• Presenter: Indy Neidell
• Channel: "The Great War"
• Focus: World War I from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918
• Objective: Provide background context before diving into the weekly episodes

Prelude to War

• Significant Event: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914
  • Catalyst for WWI
• Beginning of WWI: Declared a month after the assassination, on July 28, 1914

Consequences of WWI

• Global Impact:
  • Four major empires dissolved
  • Emergence of new nations
  • Growth of social movements (internationalism, fascism)
• Technological Advancements:
  • Development of tanks, diesel fuel, bombers, fighters, and large planes
• Casualties: Nearly 40 million casualties, including 10 million soldier deaths

Why the Great War?

• European Tensions:
  • Revolutionary sentiment, strikes, labor unrest
  • Feverish nationalism steering Europe
• Dream of a German Europe:
  • Prussia and then unified Germany as leading powers post-1871
  • Berlin as cultural capital, industrial and military growth
  • Vision of a German-influenced Europe

Austria-Hungary

• Challenges:
  • Austria as an anachronism in nationalist Europe
  • Mismanagement and financial issues
• Bosnian Annexation (1908):
  • Stirred tensions, particularly with Serbia

Alliances and Tensions

• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
• Triple Entente: England, France, Russia
• Germany's Relations:
  • Admiration and rivalry with Great Britain
  • Naval build-up and its implications

Conclusion

• Future Episodes: Exploration of Serbia, Italy, and more
• Audience Engagement:
  • Encouragement for comments and questions
  • Episodes available in multiple languages

Key Takeaways

• Complex geopolitical landscape leading to WWI
• Importance of alliances and national aspirations
• Technological and social impacts of the war

Additional Notes:

• Despite the dominance of Austria and Germany in alliances, both faced internal and external pressures.
• Strategic and political decisions, like naval expansion, influenced international relations.
• The series will cover a wide range of topics over four and a half years to provide comprehensive insights into WWI.