World War I - The First Story: Causes, Germany’s Role, and the Road to War

Overview

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918. Though often seen as a European war, it involved nations worldwide, including Japan and the United States, marking it as the first conflict of such scale. This article examines the causes of World War I, focusing on the international situation and Germany’s role in the lead-up to the war.

The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact

From the 18th to 19th century, the Industrial Revolution began in Britain, transforming society with innovations like the steam engine and mass production. This led to rapid economic growth in Britain and other nations, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Japan, and the United States. By the early 20th century, these industrialized powers vied for influence, intensifying competition in Europe.

Germany’s Rise in the 19th Century

Germany became a major European power in the 19th century under Emperor Wilhelm I. In 1866, it defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War, and from 1870 to 1871, it triumphed over France in the Franco-Prussian War, annexing Alsace-Lorraine and extracting heavy reparations from France. These victories strengthened Germany but left France eager for revenge. To secure its position, Germany pursued alliances and neutrality treaties, ensuring a military edge in future conflicts.

The Isolation of France

Germany’s diplomacy focused on isolating France. In 1887, it signed the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, ensuring mutual neutrality and preventing a Franco-Russian alliance. In 1882, Germany formed the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, leveraging Italy’s proximity and industrialization, while maintaining amicable ties with Austria despite past conflict. Germany also used economic diplomacy, trading with non-industrialized nations to limit France’s alliance options.

Britain’s Policy of Splendid Isolation

Britain followed a policy of "Splendid Isolation," avoiding formal alliances while maintaining friendly relations with Germany. Focused on its global empire and trade, Britain remained neutral during this period.

The Rise of Pan-Germanism and Wilhelm II

In 1888, Emperor Wilhelm II ascended the throne, embracing Pan-Germanism, an ideology of German superiority and global dominance. This shifted Germany’s foreign policy. In 1890, Wilhelm II ended the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, straining relations and alarming Russia, which had economic interests in the Balkan Peninsula, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. Germany’s expansion into these regions further heightened tensions.

Germany’s Expansion into Asia and the Middle East

Germany sought colonies in China, challenging Britain’s Asian dominance and straining relations. In the Middle East, Germany pursued the 3B Policy (connecting Berlin, Istanbul, and Baghdad via railways) to export goods, while Britain countered with the 3C Policy (linking Cairo, Cape Town, and Calcutta). Though their routes initially differed, Germany’s ambitions threatened Britain’s trade networks.

Economic and Military Rivalry

Germany’s emphasis on heavy industry clashed with Britain’s light industry economy. Viewing heavy industry as more valuable, Germany aimed to dominate global trade and fund military expansion, escalating tensions with Britain.

Alliances and the Triple Entente

This situation presented an unparalleled opportunity for France. Unable to form an alliance and facing the growing power of Germany, France sought to align with Russia, whose relations with Germany had deteriorated after the Reinsurance Treaty was scrapped. Initially, Russia was distant from France and continued trading with Germany despite their rivalry, making the alliance less appealing.

However, France persisted in negotiations, investing in Russia despite its own financial struggles due to war reparations to Germany. These efforts paid off in 1891 when the Franco-Russian Alliance was successfully established.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, aiming to counter Germany’s expansion ist policies, abandoned its policy of "Splendid Isolation" and formed an alliance with Japan in 1902, known as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Germany, driven by Pan-Germanism, was expanding into China, and Russia was also seeking colonial gains in the region. Accordingly, the UK turned to Japan, a nation close to China and one that had successfully undergone the Industrial Revolution in Asia.

Though Japan had modernized, it still lagged behind European powers in terms of colonial holdings and sought to colonize China and Korea. Thus, Japan allied with the UK to oppose Germany and Russia’s ambitions in China.

Later, in 1904, the UK signed the Entente Cordiale with France, which had been isolated, to counter Germany’s rising economic power in Europe. Unlike a formal alliance, the Entente Cordiale focused on mutual support in trade, economics, and diplomatic negotiations, excluding military cooperation.

By 1907, the UK also signed a similar agreement with Russia, which had grown closer to France through the Franco-Russian Alliance. Although the UK had been wary of Russia’s ambitions in China, the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) saw Japan defeat Russia, halting Russian expansion in China and removing a major point of contention. Russia shifted its focus from Asia to countering Germany, paving the way for the Anglo-Russian Entente.

These agreements culminated in the formation of the Triple Entente, comprising the UK, France, and Russia. This alignment set the stage for the impending global conflict, with Germany facing off against the combined forces of the UK, France, and Russia. This was the international landscape on the eve of the First World War.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the background and international dynamics leading up to the First World War. In the next installment, we’ll delve into the events that triggered the war.