1. Causes of World War I
The “isms”

2. How did nationalism, imperialism, alliances, & militarism cause World War I?
ESSENTIAL QUESTION

3. Background 1900 – Europeans were enjoying peace & prosperity
Turkey, Mexico, China, & Russia – Reformers influenced by European ideas outraged at social division & authoritarian governments
Austria-Hungary – Minorities dreamed of independence
Background

4. Background Shortly after 1900 areas exploded in revolution
1905 – Demonstrators forced Russian Tsar to create national assembly
1908 – Reformers in Turkey overthrow Sultan
1910 – Revolution overthrows Mexico’s dictator
1912 – Nationalist reformers overthrow Chinese emperor
Background

5. After fall of Chinese emperor, events in Austria-Hungary brought Europe to armed conflict
Technology made warfare more destructive than ever
Imperial governments & old class system shattered
Resulting peace allowed triumph of democracy & international peace organizations
Violence prepared way for communism & fascism
Background

6. The Causes of World War I
Nationalism
Imperialism
Alliances
Militarism
The Causes of World War I

7. Def. – Belief that each ethnic group deserves its own nation, & citizens should promote their nation’s interests
Encouraged rivalries between France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Russia
Led to creation of independent Balkans – Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania
Countries unstable, fought series of wars in 1912 & 1913 – threatened to involve larger countries
Austria-Hungary had several ethnic groups that wanted their own nation
Demands threatened to break Austro-Hungarian Empire apart
Nationalism

8. European powers saw possession of overseas colonies as a sign of power
Became accustomed to competing for colonies in Africa & Asia
Created tension, which was increased by economic rivalries
1900 – ¼ of world under British control
German industrialization threatened British dominance
Russian interest in Balkans threatened Austria-Hungary & Turkey
Imperialism

9. Alliances 1914 – Europe divided into 2 alliances
Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Triple Entente – Russia, France, Great Britain
Alliances sought to preserve balance of power
Any dispute involving 2 or more countries threatened to drag all of Europe into conflict
Alliances

10. Occurs when military values & goals take over civilian society
By end of 19th Century societies were increasingly militaristic
European countries were building their armies
Kings wore military uniforms, & generals became influential in governments
Germany & Britain competing to create most powerful navy
Military planning played key role in outbreak of World War I
Assembling & moving armies on railroads took time, so leaders thought it better to attack first
Militarism

11. Flashpoint that Ignites War
July 1914 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria assassinated
Black Hand – Slav group that claimed responsibility
Austria knew Serbian officials helped assassin
Austria-Hungary invades Serbia as retaliation
Flashpoint that Ignites War

12. Flashpoint that Ignites War
Russia entered to protect Serbia
Germany entered to protect Austria
Britain & France entered to honor alliance with Russia
Austria, Russia, Germany, Britain, & France all at war
Italy refused to join Central Powers because Austria attacked first
Ottoman Empire entered to oppose Russia
Bulgaria entered to oppose Serbia
Flashpoint that Ignites War