World War I
Alliances
Why the war?
Many people believe that the war started when an Aserbian Nationalist killed the Arch Duke Ferninand in Austria, it had a great impact on Austria which they saw fit fighting for (as you will see details later on). After my research, I believe the war started over many different causes (ex. Government misunderstandings, religion, culture, disagreements etc.). Most important was who were the good guys, and who were the bad guys? Who were fighting side by side, and who were they against?
Who sides with Austria and Serbia?
The Austrian Arch Duke was killed by a young Serbian in the summer of 1914. Austria held the government responsible for the killing. Austria was in disagreement with Serbia for some time over the control of Serbia. Austria tried to use the killing to bribe Serbia into their power. Serbia refused to give in and the war was on. The Southern Slavs agreed to form with Serbia. Germany supported Austria one hundred percent. Austria was relieved to have such a large support from Germany because less than half the country of Austria was for the war. On November the 3rd, 1918, Austrians unconditionally surrendered to Serbia after 4 years and 3 months of war.
This all happened 3 days after Bohemia and Moravia joined together. Also at this time Rumania, was given back Bukovina from Austria, Transylvania from Hungry and Bessarabia from Russia all under the agreement of peace (which did not last).
Germany and Austria fighting who? why?
On August 3rd Germany and Austria were committed to war against Serbia, Russia and France because of a misunderstanding in government power. Germany was fiercely attacked by the French Army which Holland and Belgium were worried because they were being flanked (surrounded). Holland and Belgium tried not to take sides during the war and even signed a document to keep it that way. (The Swiss were the only country to say neutral during the war.) The German Chancellor Referred to Holland and Belgium’s choice of signing to be neutral during the war, as a scrap of paper. Because of this comment, most of the world turned against the Germans. Great Britain was outraged by Germanys acts and joined the war on August 4th. The United States were also devastated at Germany, and fought Germany by submarine warfare.
Who contributed to the war?
Newfoundland contributed 1000 naval men to aid Canada and Scotland and British who were fighting of the Turks.
Africa supplied both men and money to the war, but hardly any fighting took place in Africa it self.
Change of heart!?
At first Rumania was against Germany, but Germany had to much power to much control, Rumania was loosing, so they decided to side with Germany.
Picking on Turkey!
Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Greece fought against Turkey because Turkey was declared independent. The Turks defeated them, and there was no agreement on land so the war broke out again. Bulgariathen started fighting with Serbia, Montenegro and Greece were joined later by Rumania and Turkey. Bulgaria was forced to give up.
Siding with who Britain?
Britain saw France and Russia on one side and Germany and Austria on the other. Britain saw neither European Nations strong enough to stand alone. Britain chose to side with France.
Odds and Ends
Italy and Serbia were fighting with Russia.
Poland was sided with Germany.
Japan was ally of Great Britain and declared war against Germany. Japan took over many of Germanys islands.
France entered the war as an ally of Russia and a friend of England.
Who With Who?
GERMANY, AUSTRIA, Poland, Africa, Turkey, Rumania, Hungary
RUSSIA, FRANCE, Serbia, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Southern Slavs, Canada, Scotland, British, Newfoundland, Great Britain, India, Egypt, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, USA, Japan, China
A School Link Article. Courtesy of Rebekah Purchard, LCCHS, March 16, 1999 .
