1. Background to WWI Militarism & Nationalism

2. Formation of nation-states Independent German states unite into a single country – Germany (1871) Germany now sees itself as equal to France, Great Britain Italian states slowly unite into a single country – Italy (1850-1871) Italy now wants to see itself equal to other European powers

3. Imperialism & Industrialization Rapid industrialization – 1850s onward Competition to improve economies Competition for resources Berlin Conference on Africa – 1884-85

4. Rise of nationalism Nationalistic fever takes hold in European countries Rotary press allows mass circulation newspapers for the first time Sensationalism in the press In London, music hall songs promote jingoism – a kind of aggressive nationalism

5. Naval rivalry German expands navy to protect its colonies Strong naval power = economic success Germany aggressively expands its navy in 1898 1900 – Germany doubled the number of battleships and destroyers to be built

6. Dreadnought ships

7. Royal Navy of Britain Britain responds to Germany– builds a new class of powerful battleship Dreadnought class (ie “fear nothing”) This sparks more building of ships by Germany

8. Public sentiment backs military The expanding military fuels public sentiment and rivalry between Britain and Germany Joining the military seen as patriotic, honorable and exciting

9. Read pp 816-821 Which countries were in the Triple Alliance? Which countries were in the Triple Entente? Which countries became the Central Powers? What is militarism? Why were the French upset about Alsace & Lorraine? What is Pan-Slavism? What were the Balkan conflicts about?

10. Design a propaganda poster