OCR Specification focus:
‘Nationalism, imperialism, militarism, war plans and navies, the Alliances and Ententes; the Anglo-German naval race; the Moroccan and Balkan Crises and the July crisis.
The origins of the First World War were deeply rooted in nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and diplomatic rivalries, creating a fragile balance of power across Europe.
Nationalism and its Impact
Nationalism was a powerful political and cultural force in late 19th and early 20th century Europe. It encouraged pride in one’s nation, resentment of rivals, and the pursuit of national destiny.
Nationalism in the Great Powers
Germany: Nationalism centred on the achievements of unification (1871) and a desire for recognition as a world power.
France: French nationalism was shaped by humiliation after defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine, fuelling a drive for revanche (revenge).
Austria-Hungary: Nationalism was divisive rather than unifying, with many ethnic groups seeking independence, especially Slavs influenced by neighbouring Serbia and Russia.
Russia: Russian nationalism combined imperial expansionism with Pan-Slavism, the belief in unity and protection of Slavic peoples, particularly in the Balkans.
Britain: British nationalism was tied to its naval supremacy and global empire, fuelling determination to protect overseas interests.
Pan-Slavism: A nationalist movement that sought to unite all Slavic peoples under leadership, most often associated with Russian foreign policy.
Nationalist rivalries intensified tensions, particularly in the Balkans, where Slavic nationalism threatened Austria-Hungary’s cohesion.
Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account
Sign up for a free account to keep reading notes and practice questions.
FAQ
The assassination in Sarajevo (June 1914) was a culmination of long-standing instability. Earlier crises, like Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia in 1908 and the Balkan Wars (1912–13), had already heightened Serbian nationalism and resentment.
Austria-Hungary feared the growing influence of Serbia in the Balkans, while Russia felt obligated to protect Slavic interests. The assassination provided Austria-Hungary with a pretext to act decisively, but the crisis spiralled because the diplomatic environment had been poisoned by these previous confrontations.
Britain’s global power depended on maritime supremacy, and its Two Power Standard dictated that its navy must equal or surpass the next two largest navies combined.
Germany’s naval building programme threatened this standard, particularly after the Navy Laws of 1898 and 1900. Britain feared that Germany could eventually block trade routes or challenge control of the North Sea. This strategic anxiety led Britain to abandon its traditional policy of “splendid isolation” and align more closely with France and Russia.
Mass-circulation newspapers and nationalist organisations spread patriotic fervour and suspicion of rivals.
In Germany, groups like the Pan-German League promoted imperial expansion and military strength.
In France, nationalist press outlets continually reminded the public of Alsace-Lorraine and humiliated memories of 1871.
In Britain, the popular press warned of German naval ambitions and “spy scares,” fuelling hostility.
This climate limited governments’ room for diplomatic compromise, as leaders feared appearing weak at home.
The Schlieffen Plan relied on invading Belgium to outflank French forces. Britain was a guarantor of Belgian neutrality under the 1839 Treaty of London.
When Germany implemented the plan in August 1914, Britain was compelled to act both for treaty obligations and to prevent German domination of the Channel coast. The plan’s aggressive nature, prioritising swift conquest over diplomacy, directly pushed Britain into the conflict.
Germany hoped to exploit Moroccan disputes to test or weaken the Entente Cordiale between France and Britain.
In 1905, Germany attempted to assert Moroccan independence, but instead drove France and Britain closer together at the Algeciras Conference.
In 1911, the Agadir Crisis, sparked by Germany sending the gunboat Panther, reinforced German isolation as Britain again backed France.
Rather than splitting its rivals, these crises strengthened the Entente and left Germany increasingly encircled.
