Causes of WWI

Underlying Causes: What causes most wars? Extreme Nationalism: “Super Patriotism” or love for one’s country. Imperialism: is a policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, economically, or socially. Militarism: Using force or the threat of force against another nation. Entangled system of alliances (secret) Fanatical leaders

Underlying Causes, contd. Rival Alliances created a “False sense of security” Triple Entente: Great Britain: King George V France: Premier Clemenceau Russia: Czar Nicholas II The Triple Alliance: Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm II Austria-Hungary: Emanuel II

Causes of World War I Unrest in the Balkans Bosnians felt abused under the rule of Austria-Hungary. Goal: To create a “Greater Serbia” (unite the Slavic people) This movement was strongly supported by “Mother Russia”.

Causes of World War I, contd. June 28, 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Austria’s heir to the throne) was assassinated by Bosnian Serb Nationalists while on a good will trip to Sarajevo, Bosnia. This spark would ignite the war.

Causes of World War I, contd. The Alliance Unfolded Austria declared war on Serbia. Russia supported Serbia (mother country with ethnic ties). Germany sided with Austria and declared war on Russia. France was obligated to help Russia and Great Britain to help France. By August 5, 1914, Europe was engulfed in a war.

Causes of World War I, contd. Germany’s “Schlieffen Plan” to avoid a 2 front war failed. Front: zone of conflict between armies. West Front would mostly be in France. Area between armies was known as “no man’s land”. Fighting two fronts put a giant strain on resources and the people.

The Fighting Sides Triple Alliance becomes the “Central Powers”. Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria Italy gave up its defensive agreement with Germany and joined the other side. The bad guys

The Fighting Sides, contd. The Triple Entente becomes the “Allied Powers” or the “Allies”. Great Britain, France, Russia, and Italy. The United States would join in April of 1917. Eventually, over 50 nations were involved in the “Great War”. The good guys

M.A.N.I.A. Easy way to remember the causes of World War I: M: Militarism A: Alliances N: Nationalism I: Imperialism A: Assassination

Militarism Glorifying your military. Using the military whenever its felt that it is needed. All countries wanted to make their armies better. “Arms Race” or weapons race.

Alliances Over time, countries made defense agreements that would pull them into battle. If one country was attacked, allied countries HAD to defend them.

Nationalism Extreme pride in one’s group of people – not necessarily loyal to the government. Serbians did not want to be part of Austria-Hungary any longer. They were loyal to their own people. Germans also felt loyal and powerful, France also was very prideful.

Imperialism Stronger countries took over weaker countries. Countries began to compete for control over territories and resources.

Assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by a Serbian.