WWI Summary

Long term causes of WWI: Militarism o Governments attitude of mind not just an arms race Saw war as a valid means of foreign policy o All the nations of Europe were militaristic Governments of Germany and Austria-Hungary were especially so. o All governments had big egos Run by stubborn people o All European countries of Europe built their armies and navies o Countries felt the need to keep balance of power Alliances o Governments sought protection through alliances as well as growing a bigger army o Germany used alliances to isolate France Triple alliance between Germany, the Austria-Hungary Empire, and Italy o France signed Dual Entente with Russia o Britain was scared of the growth of the German navy Signs Entente Cordiale with France Then signs Anglo-Russian Entente with Russia o Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia o Europe was divided into two armed camps Nationalism o Everyone was nationalist o Very insulted if someone insulted their country Imperialism o Countries who thought they were superior believed it was alright to conquer and rule others Especially those countries that were inhabited by races that they thought were inferior o Led to large colonisation Led to clashes between imperialist powers Especially when Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany decided to colonise Awful governments o Many governments of Europe were autocracies (ruled by one man) Many were corrupt

o Many ppl in those days thought it was alright to go to war simply to win more power and territory

Short term causes of WWI: Balkans had won their independence o Became an independent state of Serbia Serbia wanted Slavs within the Austria-Hungary empire to break away Russia supported Serbia Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913 resulted in the emergence of a stronger Serbia o Austria felt threatened Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria assassination by a Serbian terrorist o Gave Austria an excuse to crush Serbia Austria was supported by Germany Austria gave Serbia an ultimatum Serbia fails to agree to all Austrian demands Austria declares war o Russia helps Serbia Germany declares war on Russia France supports Russia Germany declares war on France Germany invades Belgium o Britain supports Belgium o Britain declares war on Germany Germany, France, and Britain had overseas empires o World War breaks out

Australias response to outbreak of war: Outbreak of war seemed to unleash a huge wave of enthusiasm o Support for Australias part in the war as well as support for Britain It was seen as a moral and necessary commitment Many volunteers Andrew Fisher Pm o Declared Australia would support Britain to the last man and the last shilling Anyone that was considered to be a good soldier was accepted

Gallipoli campaign: Decided to attack Turkey and relieve some of the pressure against Russia Landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 For eight months the Anzacs advanced and held their ground o Morale remained high Disregarded danger and showed qualities of the Anzac legend Humour, mateship, determination and endurance Participated in a major assault at Lone Pine Withdrew on 19th December 1915 Helped provide Australians with a new sense of their identity