Volume XI – Number 2
Karl G. Larew
Abstract:
The Turkish Straits were an underlying cause of WWI, as opposed to being the primary cause, as some revisionists assert. The War had four broad causal conflicts: the Franco-German conflict over Alsace and Lorraine; the Anglo-German rivalry as Germany increased its naval power; the Austro-Russian quarrel in the Balkans; and the Russo-German conflict as Austria-Hungary (Austria) declined in power. Russia depended on the Turkish Straits for both military and economic security; moreover, control of the Straits allowed for increased influence in the Balkans, which Russia and Austria both competed for as Ottoman power declined. The Franco-German conflict linked the conflicts in eastern Europe with western Europe as France sought for an eastern ally — either Austria or Russia — to increase its security. Germany attempted to maintain positive relations with both to keep France isolated to the east; however, Germany ultimately sided with Austria for ethnic, religious, and political reasons. Britain, recognizing Germany’s significant increase in power, sought to balance the international power dynamic by aligning itself with France and Russia. As Austrian power declined, Germany became Russia’s new primary opponent in the east, as Germany increased its influence in Turkey and was the guardian of Austria. The Liman von Sanders affair proved that Russia was not willing to start a war over the Turkish Straits; yet, when Austria threatened Serbia’s existence, Russia panicked and mobilized, for Russia would have no influence in the Balkans if it allowed Austria to destroy Serbia. Overall, the Straits only estranged Austria, and inherently Germany, with Russia, over the war-worthy competition in the Balkans.
Key Words: World War I, Turkish Straits, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Otto van Bismarck, Britain, France, Balkans, Bulgaria, Serbia, Balance of Power, Revisionist, Cause
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