Militarism - First World War

Militarism - First World War

1. idea of detterence

   • larger a country's military - less likely to attack

2. Problem: they were growing

   • "You your army before you lose it"
   • fed by conscription in all European powers
     • Exception of Great Britain (1916)
     • men (of military age) required to serve 2-6 yrs
       • terms of service increasing
         • Three Year Law (France - 1913): min service 3 yrs

3. worried rival state army bigger

   • temptation to attack

4. The powers military forces 1914

   • immense
   • 200 army divisions
     • plus reserves

5. Russia

   • largest army
   • conscrips reporting for duty - wishful thinking
   • poor infrastructure, massive distance between military depots, poor military organization
     • most realibly call in service
       • 1/5 able bodied men of military age
   • imposing behemoth

6. Tsar

   • 1.3 million - army
     • mobilize further 5 million

7. theoretical/ actual size

   • mobilization must be undertaken before potential enemy could mobilize

8. ominous ramifications (July 1914)

9. technology used

   • 1914 - modern industrial methods used
     • great armament foundries of Krupp & Skoda