The World of 1914 and the Outbreak of War

Prelude to the Great War

• 1914 marked by modern technology, culture, and fashion.
• Rising tensions:
  • France wanted to reclaim territories from Germany.
  • Germany sought expansion and had a rapidly growing navy.
  • Nationalism and independence movements in Austria-Hungary supported by Russia.
• Military advancements increased eagerness for conflict.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

• Archduke visits Austria-Hungary region with resistance movements.
• Assassination attempt fails initially but succeeds with a coincidental encounter.

Declaration of War

• Austria-Hungary blames Serbia for the assassination.
• Austria-Hungary's alliance with Germany solidifies its decision to go to war.
• Complex alliances:
  • Germany and Austria-Hungary vs. Serbia, Russia, and France.
  • Britain initially undecided but joins after Germany invades Belgium.

German Strategy and the Invasion of Belgium

• Germany's plan to quickly defeat France by bypassing forts through Belgium.
• Belgium's resistance and British involvement slow Germany.

International Reactions

• Propaganda affects global opinion, particularly in the US.
• President Woodrow Wilson's attempts at peace.
• Internal US divide due to ethnic German population's sentiment.

Early Battles and Tactical Revisions

• Old-school tactics initially employed, leading to heavy casualties.
• Russia mobilizes quicker than expected, forcing Germany to split focus.
• Austro-Hungarian military incompetence and reliance on Germany.
• Germany's success in the North against Russia.

Stalemate and Trench Warfare

• German advance halts near Paris; Allies counter-attack creating a stalemate.
• Trench warfare emerges with defensive lines from coast to Switzerland.

Life in the Trenches

• No-man’s land: artillery bombardments, machine-gun fire, and heavy casualties.
• Brutal living conditions: mud, disease, rats, and psychological strain.
• Prolonged warfare with minimal land gain despite high losses.