WWI The Short Version: Who, What, When, Where, Why

Factors that caused WWI WWI was caused by the combination of 4 major factors. 1.Imperialism, 2.Militarism, 3.Nationalism, 4.Alliances 1. Imperialism- Belief in building an empire “when stronger nations conquer weaker nations” –During the 1800’s Great Britain, Germany, France competed for control Africa, Asia causing tension over border conflicts –Austria-Hungary and Russia competed for control of Eastern Europe

Factors Continued 2. Militarism- Belief in Building a large powerful Army and Navy. –The Nations of Germany, Russia, France and Great Britain competed to see how who could the best military –Along with militarism came the invention of new military technology such as Machine Gun, Submarines, Powerful Artillery cannons, Zeppelin's, and Chemical Warfare 3. Nationalism- Belief in having pride and total devotion to ones nation. Belief that your nation is the best –Similar to the word Patriotism –Nationalism caused rivalries between Nations like France/Germany and Austria/Serbia to explode into war

Weapons of World War one

WWI Factors continued 4. Alliances- Teaming up with other nations to become more powerful or for protection. –Triple Alliance- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy –Triple Entente- Great Britain, France, Russia – Most people thought that Alliances would Keep the peace in Europe because each nation would be afraid of attacking In reality these alliance will take a small conflict and turn it into a worldwide conflict.

Important people of WWI Kaiser Wilhelm II- Emperor of Germany Franz Joseph- Emperor of Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand- Prince of A-H –The assassination of Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian terrorist eventually sparked the outbreak of WWI Czar Nicholas II- Emperor of Russia, Cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm.

The Dominos Start Falling The Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungry is Assassinated by a Serbian Terrorist Austria-Hungry retaliates and declares war on Serbia… Russia sends troops to help, their “little Bro” Serbia. Germany is forced by their alliance with A-H to declare war against Russia. Kaiser Wilhelm II Urges his cousin Czar Nick II to try and work out the problem with Austria Meanwhile the Kaiser has also given a “Blank Check” (WHAT EVER YOU DO WE WILL SUPPORT YOU) to its Triple alliance buddy Austria Germany knew France was going to come to the aid of Russia because of its participation in “triple entente”

Europe Takes Sides The European Countries Taker their sides. Germany and Austria- Hungry become Known as the Central Powers, along with Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire. Italy Drops out of the Triple Alliance because they considered it a defensive alliance and they considered Germany and A-H the aggressors Triple Alliance= Germany+ Austria-Hungry+Italy

Europe Takes Sides All the members of the triple entente became known as the Allied Powers or the Allies Other Countries that Joined the Allied Powers including Japan and Belgium… later the USA Italy Flip-flops and Joins the Allies later in the war after they realize that they could steal some land from Austria- Hungary Soldiers from British Colonies such as India and South Africa fought in Europe along side their European Overlords, making it truly a world war Triple Entente= Great Britain+Russia+ France

WWI Facts At the Beginning of the War, young soldiers were excited to go to battle. Many of them volunteering for the war. The War started in July of 1914 and some thought that it would be over by Xmas, But will last more than 4 years til Nov WWI was originally called “The Great War” and “The War to end all Wars”

New Styles of War Military tactics in the early part of World War I failed to keep pace with advances in military technology. Causing the War to slow down, into a new style of war called trench warfare These new technologies allowed the construction of formidable defenses, Barbed wire was a significant hindrance to massed infantry advances; coupled with machine gun, made crossing open “No Mans Land” a nightmarish prospect

France= 8.4 Million Troops Great Brit= 8.9 Million Trps Russia= 12 million Troops Italy= 5 Million troops America= 4.7 Million troops Germany= 11 million Trps Austria-H= 7.8 Million Ottoman Empire= 3 million