The World of 1914: Prelude to World War I

Historical Context

• 1914 was a period marked by modern advancements in technology, culture, and fashion.
• Tensions were high, with widespread anticipation of a major war due to territorial ambitions and alliances.
  • France wanted to reclaim territory from Germany.
  • Germany was expanding militarily, causing concern in Britain.
  • Many ethnic groups in empires sought independence, supported by Russia.

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

• The Austro-Hungarian Archduke was assassinated in Sarajevo, after an earlier failed attempt.
• Assassination led Austria-Hungary to blame Serbia, escalating tensions.
• Austria-Hungary's ally, Germany, supported their declaration of war on Serbia.

The Domino Effect of Alliances

• Serbia was allied with Russia, who was also allied with France.
• Germany's plan involved quickly defeating France before turning to Russia.
• Belgium's neutrality was violated by Germany, prompting British involvement.
• A series of alliances pulled multiple nations into the conflict:
  • Montenegro joined Serbia.
  • Britain declared war on Germany after Belgium's invasion.

Military Strategies and Early Battles

• Germany sought a quick victory using the Schlieffen Plan, bypassing French defenses via Belgium.
• Belgian resistance delayed German advances, and British forces joined the conflict against Germany.

Propaganda and Global Perception

• Germany's invasions and atrocities spurred global condemnation.
• Allied propaganda influenced American public opinion.
• Ethnic Germans in the US became less supportive of Germany.

War on the Western Front: Trench Warfare

• Trench warfare emerged as a defining feature of WWI, particularly on the Western Front.
• Battles involved massive artillery barrages followed by infantry assaults across no-man's land.
• This resulted in high casualties with minimal territorial gains.
• The harsh conditions in trenches included mud, disease, and psychological trauma.

Eastern Front and Germany's Strategic Challenges

• Russia mobilized quickly, earlier than Germany anticipated, challenging eastern military strategies.
• Austria-Hungary struggled against Serbia, often seeking German military support.
• Germany achieved some victories against Russia but faced prolonged conflict.

Conclusion

• The initial stages of WWI involved rapid shifts from planned strategies to reacting to emerging challenges.
• The war quickly evolved into a protracted, brutal conflict marked by trench warfare, high casualties, and global involvement.