Causes of World War I: A Deep Dive

The video explores the complex causes leading to World War I, highlighting the role of alliances, militarization, and social changes. It discusses pre-war tensions, including strikes, assassinations, and colonial conflicts. The video also covers the development of alliances and military build-up, the Balkan Wars, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which acted as a catalyst for the war. The narrative emphasizes that the war was not inevitable but resulted from numerous decisions and events.

What did historians recently argue was a road to WWI?

• Solely political alliances

• Economic downturns

• Social and cultural changes

• Technological advancements

What was the Dreyfus Affair a symbol of?

• Military incompetence

• Economic instability

• Anti-Semitism and political division

• Technological espionage

What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's view on Bismarck's alliances?

• Necessary for colonial expansion

• A model for future diplomacy

• Outdated and ineffective

• They were essential for peace

What did the construction of Dreadnoughts symbolize?

• Naval superiority

• Economic prosperity

• Military-industrial complex

• Technological innovation

What sparked the First Balkan War?

• A dispute over colonial territories

• Economic sanctions against Serbia

• Nationalist movements against the Ottoman Empire

• The assassination of a political leader

What was a direct result of the Balkan Wars?

• Formation of new alliances

• Economic prosperity in the Balkans

• Strengthening of the Ottoman Empire

• Increased tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia

How did misinformation contribute to pre-WWI tensions?

• By promoting peace negotiations

• By clarifying diplomatic relations

• By reducing public fear

• By exacerbating global dis-ease and polarization

What was Gavrilo Princip's motivation for assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

• Financial gain

• Personal vendetta

• Nationalist aspirations for Serbia

• Political anarchy

What was the common expectation after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand?

• Immediate declaration of war

• A diplomatic resolution

• Civil unrest in Austria-Hungary

• Economic sanctions against Serbia

What contributed to the inevitability of WWI according to the German General Staff?

• Europe's history of conflict

• Lack of military preparedness

• Diplomatic failures

• Economic competition