World War 1

Long term causes:

1. Nationalism: Intense nationalism was widespread across Europe, fueling competition between nations
and creating tensions.
2. Imperialism: Europe powers were engaged in fierce competition for colonies and territories around the
world, leading to rivalry and conflict over resources and influence.
3. Militarism: Nations building up their military forces and stockpiling weapons, leading to a sense of
militaristic competition and readiness for war.
4. Alliance Systems: Complex systems of alliances emerged, which created a tangled web of obligations
and commitments that could drag multiple nations into a conflict.
5. Internal Dissent: Social unrest, particularly in autocratic regimes like Russia, contributed to instability
and tensions within nations, making them more susceptible to external conflicts.
Short-term Causes:
1. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian
throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo in 1914 served as the
immediate trigger for the outbreak of war.
2. Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum to Serbia: Austria-Hungary issued a harsh ultimatum to Serbia,
demanding significant concessions. When Serbia's response was deemed unsatisfactory, Austria-
Hungary declared war on Serbia.
3. Failure of Diplomacy: Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and prevent a wider conflict proved
ineffective, as the alliance systems and nationalist fervor overshadowed attempts at negotiation and
mediation.
4. Mobilizations Plans: The rigid military mobilization plans of various European powers make others
felt compelled to do the same to avoid being at a disadvantage in the event of war, leading to a rapid
escalation of tensions and conflict.
5. System of Alliances: a conflict between two nations could quickly draw in others, turning a localized
conflict into a global war.
Impacts on VN:
1. Increased French Colonial Control: During World War I, France struggled to maintain control over
Vietnam due to resource and manpower diversion. Post-war, France sought to regain control, leading to
increased exploitation and repression, including Vietnam.
2. Recruitment of Vietnamese Labor: The war created a demand for labor in various sectors, including
factories and plantations, both in France and in French colonies. This led to the recruitment of
Vietnamese laborers to work in these industries, often under harsh conditions.
3. Nationalist Stirrings: World War I influenced Vietnam's nationalist sentiments, as French colonial
soldiers exposed them to new ideas and experiences. The failure of the Allies to fulfill self-
determination promises, as outlined in President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, disillusioned
many Vietnamese and strengthened their resolve for independence.
4. Spread of Ideas: The war facilitated the spread of ideas and ideologies, including nationalism and anti-
colonialism, through increased communication and interaction among different peoples. Vietnamese
intellectuals and activists were exposed to these ideas, leading to the growth of nationalist movements
in Vietnam.
5. Economic Disruption: The war disrupted global trade and caused economic hardship in many parts of
the world, including Vietnam. The Vietnamese economy, heavily dependent on agriculture and exports,
was affected by fluctuations in commodity prices and disruptions in trade routes.