Road to WWI

H.G. Wells

Road to WWI

Let's go!

The monster got out of the cage...

Index

The archduke is dead

you really fxxxxd up...

Don't worry sir, we got a plan...

the Schlieffen Plan

Friends, enemies and big brothers

Political landscape in England

We don't really care...

Willi declars war on Niky

interdependence of economies and military expenditures

Samo sloga Srbina spašava

Serbien muss sterben...

Race to the see...

Index

The archduke is dead

Dude you really fxxxxd up...

Don't worry sir, we got a plan...

the Schlieffen Plan

Friends, enemies and big brothers

Political landscape in England

We don't really care...

Willi declars war on Niky

interdependence of economies and military expenditures

Samo sloga Srbina spašava

Serbien muss sterben...

Race to the see...

Pre-World War I context, the differences in scenarios. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo as the catalyst for World War I. The act of terrorism that killed the Archduke provoked strong reactions from the public and governments of the time. The perceptions of the assassination in 1914, contrasting it with modern views on terrorism and its implications.

Black Hand

Connections

The concept of selfishness and the need for alliances for security, particularly in the context of Serbia's relationship with Russia. Austria's perception of Serbia as a rogue state and the potential consequences of attacking Serbia are explored, plus the fear of Russian intervention. Germany is a rising power with a formidable military and industrial strength, emphasizing its alliance with Austria. Italy's uncertain position within the Triple Alliance indicates that Italy may not support Austria in the event of war. The communication between Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria and Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany is a crucial moment in the lead-up to the war.

The concept of globalization.Despite the interconnectedness of European countries, they are heavily armed and engaged in significant military spending due to mutual fears and a competitive mindset. The ruling classes of the era are influenced by a simplified Darwinian ideology, believing that only the strongest states will survive, leading to an arms race. The narrative indicates that discussions about the inevitability of war were prevalent, with literature predicting conflict as a foreseeable outcome of the political climate.

Military leaders have detailed plans ready for various potential wars, indicating a high level of preparedness. By 1913, military plans were so refined that they included specific commanders for each army, demonstrating the extent of military readiness. The arms race of recent years has heightened tensions, with nations closely monitoring each other's military strength and readiness. Military strategists calculate the optimal timing for war, suggesting that the decision to engage in conflict is influenced by military strength and alliances. Negotiations between Russia and England regarding a naval agreement could shift alliances, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in Europe.

There was a growing fear in England regarding Germany's rising power, leading to a shift in military alliances towards France and Russia.

The English government was preoccupied with domestic issues, particularly the situation in Ireland, rather than engaging in foreign policy discussions.

Just do your business and I'll do mine...

The indifference of England towards the Balkan crisis is highlighted, illustrating how little England cared about events in Belgrade.

The English government was preoccupied with domestic issues, particularly the situation in Ireland, rather than engaging in foreign policy discussions.

The English government was preoccupied with domestic issues, particularly the situation in Ireland, rather than engaging in foreign policy discussions.

Germany rejects Serbia's moderate response to the ultimatum, indicating rising tensions. The Kaiser is initially pleased with Serbia's response, believing it eliminates reasons for war, yet doubts about the desire for conflict begin to surface. Despite the Kaiser's optimism, Austria declares war on Serbia, reflecting the popular sentiment in Austria to take action against perceived threats. Sigmund Freud expresses a newfound sense of Austrian identity amidst the war declarations, illustrating the complex emotions of individuals during this tumultuous time. Following Austria's declaration of war, Russia begins mobilization preparations, escalating the situation further.

The Germans plan to send their entire army to invade France quickly. The German military decides to execute the Schlieffen Plan, which involves invading Belgium. The Kaiser and Chancellor make a crucial decision to invade Belgium, which is later deemed a significant mistake. Germany assures England that they have no territorial ambitions in France, but acknowledges the possibility of invading Belgium. The English government is astonished by Germany's proposals for a potential division of influence in the world.

The French ambassador expresses despair over the escalating tensions, indicating a looming conflict. Germany officially declares war on Russia after failing to receive a suspension of military actions, marking the start of hostilities between the two nations. Despite the declaration of war, a telegram arrives from England suggesting a potential agreement for neutrality, causing confusion among German leaders. German leaders initially celebrate the possibility of avoiding war with France, but they must adjust their mobilization plans as the situation rapidly evolves.

“This is a war that touches every man and every home in each of the combatant countries. It is a war, (…) not of soldiers but of whole peoples. And it is a war that must be fought to such a finish that every man in each of the nations engaged understands what has happened. (…) Money withdrawn from education, from social progress, from business enterprise, and art and scientific research, from every kind of happiness; life was drilled and darkened. So that the harvest of this darkness comes now almost as a relief, and it is a grim satisfaction in our discomforts, that we can at last look across the roar and torment of battlefields, to the possibility of an organised peace. For this is now a war for peace. (…) It aims straight at disarmament. It aims at a settlement that shall stop this sort of thing for ever. Every soldier who fights against Germany now is a crusader against war. This, the greatest of all wars, is not just another war – it is the last war!” – H.G. Wells – The war that will end war

Deutschland u. der nächste Krieg

Everything is connected

The concept of globalization.Despite the interconnectedness of European countries, they are heavily armed and engaged in significant military spending due to mutual fears and a competitive mindset. The ruling classes of the era are influenced by a simplified Darwinian ideology, believing that only the strongest states will survive, leading to an arms race. The narrative indicates that discussions about the inevitability of war were prevalent, with literature predicting conflict as a foreseeable outcome of the political climate.

Black Hand

Black Hand, secret Serbian society of the early 20th century that used terrorist methods to promote the liberation of Serbs outside Serbia from Habsburg or Ottoman rule and was instrumental in planning the assassination of the Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914), precipitating the outbreak of World War I. The society was formed (1911) and led by Col. Dragutin Dimitrijević; its members were primarily army officers with some government officials. Operating from Belgrade, it conducted propaganda campaigns, organized armed bands in Macedonia (before the Balkan Wars, 1912–13), and established a network of revolutionary cells throughout Bosnia. Within Serbia it dominated the army and wielded tremendous influence over the government by terrorizing officials; it became so powerful that its authority challenged that of the government. In order to eliminate that rival, Prince Alexander, commander in chief of the expatriate Serbian army, brought the leaders of the Black Hand to trial on dubious charges at Salonika in 1917. Dimitrijević and two others were executed, and more than 200 were imprisoned.