The outbreak of the
First World War

An exercise using events as evidence.
by Tom Wells

Answers

 

Timeline 1 answers

 

When did Bismarck’s plan for security, after German unification in 1870, by which he aimed to have both Russia and Austria-Hungary as allies, unravel?

In 1890 when, after his resignation, the Reinsurance treaty with Russia was not renewed by the new Emperor Wilhelm II’s government
Why was the 1894 Franco-Russian alliance a particular threat to Germany? The possibility of a war on two fronts, a German nightmare
Although Britain conflicted with France and Russia over strategic and colonial issue, what circumstance helped bring Britain closer to support of France and Russia?

The start of a large German Navy after the Navy Law, 1898

 

 
When did the arms race become more intense? After the launch of the super strength ship, the Dreadnought, in 1905
What is the evidence in this timeline that a Great Power had considered a (major) war before 1914? The evidence in this timeline that a Great Power had considered a (major) war before 1914 is Lloyd George’s Mansion House speech and the production of the ‘Yellow Book’, plans for mobilisation

 

Timeline 2 answers

In what situations had Britain, Germany and France co-operated over Balkan issues?
 In opposition to Russia during 1875-8 Balkan crisis, 1885-7, and 1908
Why were the Balkans important for (a) Russia and (b) Britain?

 (a) The Balkans were close to the Straits from the Black Sea and so important for Russian trade from a ‘warm water port’. (b) Russian power in the Balkans, and thereby the Eastern Mediterranean, could threaten British communication with India and her imperial interests through the Suez canal
In what sense could it be said that Russian defeat in the Russo-Japanese war made conflict between the Great Powers more likely? Russia turned away from eastern expansion and back to the Balkans where conflict with other Great Powers had occurred and would probably reoccur
When did Austrian involvement in the Balkans increase?
 After 1878 when Austria took over the administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and more so after 1908 when Austria annexed the two provinces
Why was Serbia especially hostile to Austria after (a) 1908 and (b) 1913

 Serbia was especially hostile to Austria after 1908 because Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina where Serbs lived (and Serbian nationalism was increasing) and after 1913 because, at the London conference, Austria insisted Serbia did not gain a seaport on the Adriatic
Why was Austria anxious about, and opposed to, Serbia?

The reasons are the answers to the previous two questions and Serbia’s military and political successes 1912-13
Why did Serbia look to Russia for support?
 Serbia looked to Russia for support because Serbia needed Great Power support against Austria and Austria’s ally, Germany, and because they were both Slav states

 

Timeline 3 answers

 

Which Great Power declared war on another Great Power first? Germany on Russia
What is the indication that Wilhelm II had second thoughts over the ‘blank cheque’ support of Austria? He suggested Austria negotiate with Serbia, 28 July
What is the evidence that, had communications been faster a major Great Power war could have been prevented? Austria and Russia (Serbia’s ally) seemed ready for negotiations on the same day that Germany considered declaration of war on Russia was necessary
What is the evidence of Russian indecision?
 Russian mobilisation 29 July, then withdrawal of mobilisation, then mobilisation order 30 July.
On what day does it appear the military in Berlin took over decision making? On the day, 31 July, that news of the 30 July Russian mobilisation order reached Berlin
In view of Germany’s eventual defeat in the First World War, what was Germany’s greatest mistake in June and July 1914 (note, only these two months). Germany promised support to Austria for a war against Serbia too readily