Causes of World War I

long-term Causes of WWI (Intro.) The M.A.I.N causes of WWI: Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism

Imperialism Expand empire to become more powerful > need military to control and defend territory Countries dispute territories far away > increased possibility of fighting to resolve disputes Colonial rivalry > increased tension

How did imperialism cause WWI? Colonial rivalries and the desire to defend territories increased tension in Europe.

Militarism Desire to protect overseas colonies > military buildup Race to buildup navies (esp. in Britain and Germany) Increased arms stockpiles Focus on creating modern weapons (thanks to the Industrial Revolution) Increasing strategic infrastructure (esp. railways)

1850 1913

How was militarism a cause of WWI?

How was militarism a cause of WWI? Country Spending Increase Military Size Britain 117% 430,000 France 92% 970,000 Russia 19% 1,500,000 Germany 158% 760,000 Austria-Hungary 160% 480,000 Tensions caused European countries to build up massive armies and stocks of weapons so countries were ready to fight. This buildup only escalated the tension in Europe. Also, both sides felt invincible and were convinced the war would be quick and decisive.

Nationalism Two types of nationalism: 1. desire of subject people for independence 1871 – France loses territory of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany 2. desire of independent nations for dominance Great Britain has largest overseas empire – competition with other European countries

How was nationalism a cause of WWI?

How was nationalism a cause of WWI? Many groups felt that Europe’s borders did not reflect their national allegiances which led to militant nationalist groups and fighting over territory. Conservative leaders within countries feared revolutions and saw war as a way to suppress internal dissent.

How was nationalism a cause of WWI? Pride in one’s country led many men into war, even against their better judgment. Nationalist propaganda before and during the war had created hatred between different countries, justifying war.

Alliances Why would European countries feel the need to create alliances in the early 20th century?

Alliances Why would countries feel the need to create alliances? Military buildup > countries feel threatened Desire for peace > alliances to prevent war

How were alliances a cause of WWI?

How were alliances a cause of WWI? Tension becomes heightened over time Sometimes alliances are secret – countries become suspicious Germany and Austria-Hungary are surrounded by allied countries – become defensive Alliances draw other countries into war quickly, even if the starting event is small and unimportant

Why 1914? These tensions had been building for decades… So why now? Austria-Hungary wants to assert its authority in the newly independent Balkans. Russia wants to reestablish its military prestige after losing to the Japanese in 1905 (and maintain social order over the peasants). France wants to win back Alsace-Lorraine from Germany The German Kaiser wanted to avoid civil unrest from the growing socialist movement So why now?

The single event June 28, 1914 – Serbian nationalist/terrorist Gavrilo Princip assassinates the heir to the Austrian throne, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand

escalation Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an incredibly harsh ultimatum (only after confirming that Germany would step in and support A-H if they were to go to war). Serbia accepts every condition except one, and so A-H begins to prepare for war. Russia (supporter of Serbia/enemy of A-H and Germany) agrees to step in if Serbia goes to war. And, exactly one month later…

escalation July 28: Austria declares war on Serbia July 29: Russia (allied with Serbia) begins to mobilize. July 31: Germany (allied with Austria/afraid of Russia) institutes the Schlieffen Plan to invade France and neutralize it, then turn to fight Russia August 1: France begins to mobilize August 4: Germany invades Belgium to get to France August 4: Great Britain (allied with Belgium) declares war on Germany

Attempts to avoid war Throughout the period of June-July, 1914 many European countries, led by Great Britain, attempted to avoid war. However, the tensions and competition in Europe had grown too great and neither side trusted the other to uphold their end of the agreement and didn’t want to be left behind when war began. So, even though most of Europe wanted to avoid war, all of Europe went to war.