Long Term Causes
Militarism-
At the turn of the century, Italy was still a relatively new country. Having just completed reunification around 1871, the country was barely 30 years old. Between 1871 and 1914, Italy attempted to grow in power, and thus in the size of it's military. When they joined the war in 1915, they had a sizable army of 500,000 (Tucker and Roberts 594). They eventually mobilized 5,615,000 troops, ranked sixth in number of troops (PBS). Despite this rapid militarization, their army was small compared to Germany with 11 million and Russia with 12 million (PBS). Because of this they aren't looked at as a major cause because their militarization was during the war and previously had been for mostly defensive purposes to protect it's borders with France and Austria-Hungary, both of whom were quite strong powers.
Alliances-
The history of alliances with Italy dates back to 1879. In 1879 Otto Von Bismark, Chancellor to Germany, created the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary due to a common dislike for the Russians (Pendergast 54). In 1882, Italy along with Germany and Austria-Hungary, created the Triple Alliance (Class Reading). This major revision to the Dual Alliance was designed to be renewed every five years and was defensive in nature (Class Reading). Under Article 4 of the Triple Alliance, the allies of each nation could only be called to war if one of the nations were attacked. Thus the alliance was mad to protect each of the nations against France and Russia, two major concerns for both the German and Austrian governments (Class Reading).
It should be noted that the concern of a war from Russia was almost non-existent to Italy, and the concern for a war against France was rather small. The main reason Italy joined the Triple Alliance was to side with Germany, not Austria-Hungary. Germany was the fastest growing power within Europe and Italy wanted to side with them. At the time, Germany was growing both industrially - eventually ranking number one in production - as well as its empire was growing - acquired lands in Africa and attempting to gain some in Asia (Class Readings). Italy too wanted to become a world power, and thus joined the up and coming power of Germany when France took Tunisia, a country which they considered in their sphere of influence (Kich). Ironically, when they signed the Triple Alliance, they sided with the aging Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary was in control of culturally Italian lands which angered much of the population of Italy (Kich). Despite this, Italy still signed the Triple Alliance in both 1907 and 1912. Though it did show desire to back out of the alliance in 1908-09 in response to the Bosnian Crisis (Showalter 228).
Imperialism-
As already noted, Italy was still a new country as of the 20th century. Despite this, they had big ambitions. The idea of an Italian Empire was very intriguing to many officials in the Italian government, thus they perused their ambitions but failed when Tunisia, a country within their sphere of influence, was taken by France (Kich). After this Italy assumed a more active role in becoming an empire. In 1885 they received the port of Assab in Eastern Africa (Kich). They soon expanded and annexed more land in Eritrea (Kich). From the late 1880's even up until World War I they were expanding into Somaliland through purchases, annexation, and treaty negotiations against the Ottoman Empire (Kich). But the prime example of Italian Imperialism was the Italio-Turkish War from 1910 to 1911 (Kich). In the war, Italy seized the territories of Tripolitania and Cyrenacia (Kich). When negotiating with the Ottoman Empire, Italy also gained some islands within the Mediterranean Sea such as Rhodes (Kich). Imperialism was used by Italy to gain political power more so than economic power (Culpin 56). It was also used to cover territory that they could not make up for within Europe (McDonoug 7).
Nationalism-
Nationalism was a major factor for Italy. Seeing that it had only completed reunification in 1871, it was a major factor in the new kingdom (Italy and World War One). This nationalism within Italy extended to the government as well as many people in the government were of the nationalists (Italy and World War One). Italy had a desire to reclaim the culturally Italian lands that Austria-Hungary had annexed and attempted so in the Third Italian War for Independence (Kich). This attempt mostly failed and left Italy angered at them for many decades. Another relationship to Nationalism is in the Balkans. When Italy won the Italio-Turkish War, many Balkan states looked and saw how easily the Ottoman Empire was defeated (Class Readings). Some historians have linked the cause of the First Balkan War to Italio-Turkish War because of this. Thus it can be said that it was the Italians that helped to inspire Balkan nationalism.
At the turn of the century, Italy was still a relatively new country. Having just completed reunification around 1871, the country was barely 30 years old. Between 1871 and 1914, Italy attempted to grow in power, and thus in the size of it's military. When they joined the war in 1915, they had a sizable army of 500,000 (Tucker and Roberts 594). They eventually mobilized 5,615,000 troops, ranked sixth in number of troops (PBS). Despite this rapid militarization, their army was small compared to Germany with 11 million and Russia with 12 million (PBS). Because of this they aren't looked at as a major cause because their militarization was during the war and previously had been for mostly defensive purposes to protect it's borders with France and Austria-Hungary, both of whom were quite strong powers.
Alliances-
The history of alliances with Italy dates back to 1879. In 1879 Otto Von Bismark, Chancellor to Germany, created the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary due to a common dislike for the Russians (Pendergast 54). In 1882, Italy along with Germany and Austria-Hungary, created the Triple Alliance (Class Reading). This major revision to the Dual Alliance was designed to be renewed every five years and was defensive in nature (Class Reading). Under Article 4 of the Triple Alliance, the allies of each nation could only be called to war if one of the nations were attacked. Thus the alliance was mad to protect each of the nations against France and Russia, two major concerns for both the German and Austrian governments (Class Reading).
It should be noted that the concern of a war from Russia was almost non-existent to Italy, and the concern for a war against France was rather small. The main reason Italy joined the Triple Alliance was to side with Germany, not Austria-Hungary. Germany was the fastest growing power within Europe and Italy wanted to side with them. At the time, Germany was growing both industrially - eventually ranking number one in production - as well as its empire was growing - acquired lands in Africa and attempting to gain some in Asia (Class Readings). Italy too wanted to become a world power, and thus joined the up and coming power of Germany when France took Tunisia, a country which they considered in their sphere of influence (Kich). Ironically, when they signed the Triple Alliance, they sided with the aging Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary was in control of culturally Italian lands which angered much of the population of Italy (Kich). Despite this, Italy still signed the Triple Alliance in both 1907 and 1912. Though it did show desire to back out of the alliance in 1908-09 in response to the Bosnian Crisis (Showalter 228).
Imperialism-
As already noted, Italy was still a new country as of the 20th century. Despite this, they had big ambitions. The idea of an Italian Empire was very intriguing to many officials in the Italian government, thus they perused their ambitions but failed when Tunisia, a country within their sphere of influence, was taken by France (Kich). After this Italy assumed a more active role in becoming an empire. In 1885 they received the port of Assab in Eastern Africa (Kich). They soon expanded and annexed more land in Eritrea (Kich). From the late 1880's even up until World War I they were expanding into Somaliland through purchases, annexation, and treaty negotiations against the Ottoman Empire (Kich). But the prime example of Italian Imperialism was the Italio-Turkish War from 1910 to 1911 (Kich). In the war, Italy seized the territories of Tripolitania and Cyrenacia (Kich). When negotiating with the Ottoman Empire, Italy also gained some islands within the Mediterranean Sea such as Rhodes (Kich). Imperialism was used by Italy to gain political power more so than economic power (Culpin 56). It was also used to cover territory that they could not make up for within Europe (McDonoug 7).
Nationalism-
Nationalism was a major factor for Italy. Seeing that it had only completed reunification in 1871, it was a major factor in the new kingdom (Italy and World War One). This nationalism within Italy extended to the government as well as many people in the government were of the nationalists (Italy and World War One). Italy had a desire to reclaim the culturally Italian lands that Austria-Hungary had annexed and attempted so in the Third Italian War for Independence (Kich). This attempt mostly failed and left Italy angered at them for many decades. Another relationship to Nationalism is in the Balkans. When Italy won the Italio-Turkish War, many Balkan states looked and saw how easily the Ottoman Empire was defeated (Class Readings). Some historians have linked the cause of the First Balkan War to Italio-Turkish War because of this. Thus it can be said that it was the Italians that helped to inspire Balkan nationalism.
Short Term Causes
Political
Italian Campaign -
Series of wars fought between Italy and Austria-Hungary. The war occurred because Italy had changed allegiances during World War 1. Originally, Italy was part of the Triple Alliance (formed in 1882) with Germany and Austria-Hungary. Instead, Italy joined the Triple Entente with Britain, France, and Russia because they wanted to gain territories in the Ottoman Empire.
Of course, this switch in alliances caused great tension between European countries - mainly between Austria-Hungary and Italy.
Economic
In 1900, Italy was in fact only 30 years old (Trueman 2). Prior to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy, the area was divided up into states such as Venice, the Papal State, etc. Northern Italy was wealthy and was Europe's main producer of silk, due to the fertile soil found in that region. Although the North enjoyed wealth, Southern Italy was in fact very poor. Most of the area harbored a farming community, and many kids did not receive an education and instead worked on their farm. The physical fitness of the people here was also extremely poor. 3640 miners in Sicily were tested for their fitness to see if they could join the army, and only 600 of them passed (Trueman 3).
Because of this great divide between Northern and Southern Italy, many citizens felt as though they were completely seperate countries.
Italy was in fact, a bit imperialist. They had strong desires to control the lands of the Ottoman Empire (specifically Libya) and the Horn of Africa.
In order to cure the country of poverty, many Italians prayed for unification of the North and the South. Their poverty was one of the motivators for Italy to join the Triple Alliance, and later, sign the Treaty of London. Having access to more land and resources could help raise the standard of living for their people greatly.
Social
After having an amazing victory against the Ottoman Empire in the Italo-Turkish War, Italian nationalism grew greatly. Italian citizens felt powerful and very confident in their own military forces. The Italians also felt technologically advanced because their pilot Captain Carlo Piazza conducted the world's first aerial reconnaissance mission.
A political cartoon [shown under the header "short term causes", artist unknown] depicting the German Kaiser trying to eat the world was drawn by an Italian artist. The caption on the drawing reads “The glutton finds this [the earth] too hard”. What this cartoon shows is that the people of Italy did not hold Germany in high esteem. Italy, just like German, wanted to imperialize other countries, yet they still did not respect the country. Italy accepted the Treaty of London in 1915 (class reading) so that they could gain more territory, their desire for land was nothing compared to the greed of most European nations at that time.
Most Italian citizens were in favor of staying neutral, but the Italian Prime Minister, Antonio Salandra, tried to convince his people that siding with Britain, France, and Russia was necessary. In his speech, he specifically noted Germany's lust for power, saying "...Germany will have to sit as an equal, and not as a master." (Trueman 1-2)
Military
Italio-Turkish War (Sept. 29, 1911 - Oct. 18, 1912)
This war was fought between the Ottoman Empire and Italy. There was conflict because both nations believed that they had control over Lybia. They both invaded Libyan territory and fought there. Since the Ottoman Empire was already weakened, Italy was able to easily defeat their army. The Ottomans were actually forced to remove all of their military forces and retreat.
The results of this war were quite drastic. The Balkan States had seen how easy it was for Italy to defeat the Ottoman Empire. After seeing this, their nationalism grew greatly. They felt very confident and had a lot of pride in their military. Because of this nationalism, the Balkans attacked the Ottoman Empire and effortlessly defeated them in what is known as the First Balkan War (source). As a result of the First Balkan War, European countries had less reservations about fighting, which meant that they were more open to the idea of a world war.
During the buildup to World War 1, European nations military spending increased by 300% (class reading). Italy’s military spending grew by about 180% (class reading). Italy signed the Treaty of London in 1915 because it promised them a lot of land (Trueman 1). Italy was offered this because Britain and France needed to have a military presence in the South of the Western Front.
Italian Campaign -
Series of wars fought between Italy and Austria-Hungary. The war occurred because Italy had changed allegiances during World War 1. Originally, Italy was part of the Triple Alliance (formed in 1882) with Germany and Austria-Hungary. Instead, Italy joined the Triple Entente with Britain, France, and Russia because they wanted to gain territories in the Ottoman Empire.
Of course, this switch in alliances caused great tension between European countries - mainly between Austria-Hungary and Italy.
Economic
In 1900, Italy was in fact only 30 years old (Trueman 2). Prior to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy, the area was divided up into states such as Venice, the Papal State, etc. Northern Italy was wealthy and was Europe's main producer of silk, due to the fertile soil found in that region. Although the North enjoyed wealth, Southern Italy was in fact very poor. Most of the area harbored a farming community, and many kids did not receive an education and instead worked on their farm. The physical fitness of the people here was also extremely poor. 3640 miners in Sicily were tested for their fitness to see if they could join the army, and only 600 of them passed (Trueman 3).
Because of this great divide between Northern and Southern Italy, many citizens felt as though they were completely seperate countries.
Italy was in fact, a bit imperialist. They had strong desires to control the lands of the Ottoman Empire (specifically Libya) and the Horn of Africa.
In order to cure the country of poverty, many Italians prayed for unification of the North and the South. Their poverty was one of the motivators for Italy to join the Triple Alliance, and later, sign the Treaty of London. Having access to more land and resources could help raise the standard of living for their people greatly.
Social
After having an amazing victory against the Ottoman Empire in the Italo-Turkish War, Italian nationalism grew greatly. Italian citizens felt powerful and very confident in their own military forces. The Italians also felt technologically advanced because their pilot Captain Carlo Piazza conducted the world's first aerial reconnaissance mission.
A political cartoon [shown under the header "short term causes", artist unknown] depicting the German Kaiser trying to eat the world was drawn by an Italian artist. The caption on the drawing reads “The glutton finds this [the earth] too hard”. What this cartoon shows is that the people of Italy did not hold Germany in high esteem. Italy, just like German, wanted to imperialize other countries, yet they still did not respect the country. Italy accepted the Treaty of London in 1915 (class reading) so that they could gain more territory, their desire for land was nothing compared to the greed of most European nations at that time.
Most Italian citizens were in favor of staying neutral, but the Italian Prime Minister, Antonio Salandra, tried to convince his people that siding with Britain, France, and Russia was necessary. In his speech, he specifically noted Germany's lust for power, saying "...Germany will have to sit as an equal, and not as a master." (Trueman 1-2)
Military
Italio-Turkish War (Sept. 29, 1911 - Oct. 18, 1912)
This war was fought between the Ottoman Empire and Italy. There was conflict because both nations believed that they had control over Lybia. They both invaded Libyan territory and fought there. Since the Ottoman Empire was already weakened, Italy was able to easily defeat their army. The Ottomans were actually forced to remove all of their military forces and retreat.
The results of this war were quite drastic. The Balkan States had seen how easy it was for Italy to defeat the Ottoman Empire. After seeing this, their nationalism grew greatly. They felt very confident and had a lot of pride in their military. Because of this nationalism, the Balkans attacked the Ottoman Empire and effortlessly defeated them in what is known as the First Balkan War (source). As a result of the First Balkan War, European countries had less reservations about fighting, which meant that they were more open to the idea of a world war.
During the buildup to World War 1, European nations military spending increased by 300% (class reading). Italy’s military spending grew by about 180% (class reading). Italy signed the Treaty of London in 1915 because it promised them a lot of land (Trueman 1). Italy was offered this because Britain and France needed to have a military presence in the South of the Western Front.
Immediate Causes
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the July Crisis
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Gavrillo Princip on 28 June 1914 (Pendergast 17-19). Gavrillo Princip was a member of the organization, Narodna Odbrana, a reaction to the annexation of Bosnia by Austria-Hungary (Shackelford). He was assigned, along with several other teenagers, to assassinate the Archduke under the discretion of Dragutin Dimitrijevic, a general of the Serbian Army (Shackelford). He was trained in marksmanship and was eventually smuggled across the Bosnian border (Shackelford). On the 28th of June he, as well as the other youth, made their move when the Archduke was riding around in Sarajevo with minimal protection. Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed and thus triggered the July Crisis.
Though it should be noted that this assassination wasn't supported by Serbia, despite Austrian claims (Shackelford). When Asip, also known as Dragutin Dimitrijevic, initiated the plan to assassinate the Archduke, the Executive Council of the Black Hand disagreed with him; He went along with this anyhow, despite knowing that this would cause war between Austria and Serbia (Shackelford). Eventually word got out that he had initiated the plan and he was commanded to stop by Prime minister Nikola Pasic (Shackelford). He half-heatedly attempted to stop the would-be assassins, but failed (Shackelford). They had already reached the border and any attempts to follow them would surely be noticed by Austria-Hungary (Shackelford).
This assassination sparked the July Crisis. Upon the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Austria-Hungary had a few questions to ask itself. It ended up answering these questions with an ultimatum to Serbia that took over a month to produce (Pendergast 23). Within this month they devised for a plan that Serbia could not accept (Class Reading). This careful and manipulative plan almost failed when Serbia said it would accept all but one clause, the portion which said that Austria-Hungary would be allowed an internal inquiry in Serbia (Peaple 70). Despite this Austria-Hungary would not accept anything less and had already planed for war. Emperor Franz Josef I wrote to Kaiser Wilhelm II in an effort to recruit support for their efforts on 5 July 1914, long before the ultimatum was mostly agreed upon (Class Reading). Josef made the claim that the assassination was not caused by a single actor or set of actors (Black Hand), but by Belgrade, capital of Serbia, itself (Class Reading). The Kaiser reassured him that they had the full backing of Germany, thus writing off the "blank cheque" (Class Reading). This guaranteed support from Germany encouraged Austria-Hungary to take action against Serbia.
Now it should be also noted that Italy was part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary and also had their role to play in the immediate causes of the war. During the July Crisis, Italy remained neutral, they did not back nor discourage Austria-Hungary from sending the ultimatum to Serbia (Renzi). Italy was not involved with the situation until 30 July 1914. Austria-Hungary's Ambassador in Rome sent a telegram to Count Berchtold stating that, "Italy would not be bound to join us in the war" (VON MEREY). They had decided that the action taken by Austria-Hungary was offensive and thus excluded them from having to support their ally under Article 4 of the Triple Alliance which reads:
Though it should be noted that this assassination wasn't supported by Serbia, despite Austrian claims (Shackelford). When Asip, also known as Dragutin Dimitrijevic, initiated the plan to assassinate the Archduke, the Executive Council of the Black Hand disagreed with him; He went along with this anyhow, despite knowing that this would cause war between Austria and Serbia (Shackelford). Eventually word got out that he had initiated the plan and he was commanded to stop by Prime minister Nikola Pasic (Shackelford). He half-heatedly attempted to stop the would-be assassins, but failed (Shackelford). They had already reached the border and any attempts to follow them would surely be noticed by Austria-Hungary (Shackelford).
This assassination sparked the July Crisis. Upon the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Austria-Hungary had a few questions to ask itself. It ended up answering these questions with an ultimatum to Serbia that took over a month to produce (Pendergast 23). Within this month they devised for a plan that Serbia could not accept (Class Reading). This careful and manipulative plan almost failed when Serbia said it would accept all but one clause, the portion which said that Austria-Hungary would be allowed an internal inquiry in Serbia (Peaple 70). Despite this Austria-Hungary would not accept anything less and had already planed for war. Emperor Franz Josef I wrote to Kaiser Wilhelm II in an effort to recruit support for their efforts on 5 July 1914, long before the ultimatum was mostly agreed upon (Class Reading). Josef made the claim that the assassination was not caused by a single actor or set of actors (Black Hand), but by Belgrade, capital of Serbia, itself (Class Reading). The Kaiser reassured him that they had the full backing of Germany, thus writing off the "blank cheque" (Class Reading). This guaranteed support from Germany encouraged Austria-Hungary to take action against Serbia.
Now it should be also noted that Italy was part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary and also had their role to play in the immediate causes of the war. During the July Crisis, Italy remained neutral, they did not back nor discourage Austria-Hungary from sending the ultimatum to Serbia (Renzi). Italy was not involved with the situation until 30 July 1914. Austria-Hungary's Ambassador in Rome sent a telegram to Count Berchtold stating that, "Italy would not be bound to join us in the war" (VON MEREY). They had decided that the action taken by Austria-Hungary was offensive and thus excluded them from having to support their ally under Article 4 of the Triple Alliance which reads:
In case a Great Power non-signatory to the present Treaty should threaten the security of the states of one of the High Contracting Parties, and the threatened Party should find itself forced on that account to make war against it, the two others bind themselves to observe towards their Ally a benevolent neutrality. Each of them reserves to itself, in this case, the right to take part in the war, if it should see fit, to make common cause with its Ally.
Thus, Italy stayed neutral in the conflict and did not support, nor oppose the actions taken by Austria-Hungary. Though it should be noted that Italy "had shown a dislike for Austria" as outlined in the telegram from German Ambassador at Rome to the German Foreign Office in Berlin (FLOTOW).
Cause for Joining the War
Italy eventually joined World War One on 26 April 1915 for the Triple Entente, Britain, France, and Russia (Italy and World War One). The reason for this was the Treaty of London in 1915 in which Britain promised Italy land within the Adriatic Sea as well as parts of land that Austria controlled that were culturally Italian (Italy and World War One). Besides that, Italy was also given support from Britain in Article XIV the state of a 50,000,000 pound loan, something they could not deny. It was this that brought Italy into what was already a global conflict. Though it should be noted that Italy joined a year into the war, one that was already occupying much of Europe and was definitely no longer a localized conflict.
Simple Color Guide to the Conditions for War:
Economic
Political
Military
Social Conditions
Etc.
Economic
Political
Military
Social Conditions
Etc.