Descent into WWI & Crisis in the European Order Chapter 28 Pg. 647-656
Descent into WWI &
Crisis in the European Order
Chapter 28
Pg. 647-656
Coming of the Great War
Long March to War
(long-term causes)
Remember the “MAIN” causes
–Militarism:
–Alliance systems:
–Imperialism:
–Nationalism:
Outbreak of War
(the short-term causes)
Balkans represent broader themes of Europe
Alliances turn regional conflict into European conflict
British entry turns conflict global
A World at War
The War in Europe
(Western Front)
New weaponry creates losses in the millions
Schlieffen plan
– fails & war quickly turns into a stalemate
– Aided by use of trench warfare
The War in the East & Italy
(Eastern Front)
Russia
– Diverts German resources while suffering huge losses
– Crisis of leadership led overthrow of Tsar
Austria-Hungary
– Multiethnic armies required German reinforcement to hold off Russia
– Successful “high-ground” position led to disaster in Italy
Home Fronts in Europe
Major disconnect b/t soldiers & civilians
“Total war” effort
Sped up developments already in place
– Social & labor unrest
– Women’s roles
1 of 2
War Outside Europe
Colonies did much to create global war
– Supplies, raw materials, soldiers, labor
Japan
– Made imperialist claims (Europe distracted)
– Foreshadowed WWII
2 of 2
War Outside Europe
Ottomans
– Continued German military advice
– Fend off British in Gallipoli & threaten Suez
– Blame of losses led to Armenian Genocide
U.S.
– Drawn into war adding industrial & military power
Endgame: Offensive Warfare
Bolshevik Revolution pulls Russia out → one front war
Central powers quickly break down
– Fuels anti-Semitism
Stark realities of war hit
– Casualties in the millions
– Damaged economies
– Nationalistic fervor broken
→ Circumstances ripe for Great Depression & authoritarian governments in the 1930s
Failed Peace
Peace talks dominated by the “Big 3”
– Motivated by losses & revenge
Self-determination was clear theme
Outcome
– Versailles = colossal failure
– League of Nations
