The period between 1904 and 1914 witnessed several international crises that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I. Here’s an account of the key events:
*1. Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)*
– Japan’s victory over Russia weakened the Russian Empire and led to the rise of Japan as a major power.
– The war marked the beginning of the decline of European colonial powers.
*2. First Moroccan Crisis (1904-1906)*
– Germany attempted to challenge France’s control over Morocco, leading to tensions between European powers.
– The crisis was resolved through the Algeciras Conference (1906), which reaffirmed French control.
*3. Bosnian Crisis (1908-1909)*
– Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to tensions with Serbia and Russia.
– The crisis was resolved through diplomatic efforts, but it heightened tensions in the Balkans.
*4. Agadir Crisis (1911)*
– Germany sent a warship to Agadir, Morocco, challenging French control.
– The crisis was resolved through British intervention, but it marked the beginning of Germany’s aggressive expansion.
*5. Italo-Turkish War (1911-1912)*
– Italy’s invasion of Ottoman territories in North Africa and the Middle East led to a wider conflict.
– The war weakened the Ottoman Empire and created instability in the region.
*6. Balkan Wars (1912-1913)*
– The First Balkan War (1912) saw the Ottoman Empire lose territories to Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece.
– The Second Balkan War (1913) saw Bulgaria’s defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Bucharest.
*7. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914)*
– The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir by a Serbian nationalist sparked a chain reaction of events.
– Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, followed by declarations of war by Germany on Russia and France.
*Immediate Causes of WWI:*
1. Imperialism and colonial rivalries
2. Nationalism and ethnic tensions
3. Militarism and arms buildup
4. Complex system of alliances (Triple Entente and Triple Alliance)
*Long-term Consequences:*
1. Outbreak of World War I
2. Rise of the United States as a global power
3. Russian Revolution and the rise of communism
4. Redrawing of national borders and the creation of new states
Key Players:
1. Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany)
2. Tsar Nicholas II (Russia)
3. Emperor Franz Joseph (Austria-Hungary)
4. King George V (United Kingdom)
5. President Raymond Poincaré (France)