The Great War

Learning Targets 1.I can identify the four main causes of World War I 2.I can define Nationalism and Militarism 3.I can Identify the participants and alliances that existed in World War I 4.I can summarize the relationship between 19 th and 20 th century imperialism and the start of World War I.

World War I  A conflict that devastates Europe and has a major impact on the world.

Marching Towards War Section 1

MAIN Causes of World War I MAINMAIN ILITARISM LLIANCES ATIONALISM MPERIALISM

 Arms race begins.  Militarism – policy of glorifying military power, preparing army Militarism

Dangerous Alliances  Germany’s Otto von Bismarck works for peace after  Is fearful that France seeks revenge for territory lost in Franco-Prussian War.

Treaties  Signs treaty with Russia in 1881 in order to isolate France.  Forms Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, in 1882

Shifting Alliances  Kaiser Wilhelm II becomes German ruler in1888.  Germany drops alliance with Russia

 Germany begins to strengthen Navy

Escalation  Russia forms alliance with France  England is uneasy with German naval expansion

 Britain, France, Russia form Triple Entente Alliance  Britain signs treaty in order to remain dominant

Alliances Germany Italy Great Britain France Russia Triple Entente Triple Alliance

Imperialism  Competition of colonies causes mistrust between nations.  The need to protect growing empires results in militarism.

Nationalism in Europe  Peace of the 1800’s is hiding growing problems in Europe.  Growing nationalism leads to competition between nations.  Nationalism – pride in or devotion to ones country.

 Many groups, including in the Balkans demand independence.

 Many groups in Balkan region win independence, Serbia becomes a nation of Slavs.  Austria-Hungary annexes Slavic region called Bosnia- Herzegovina.  Serbians are outraged, sees itself as rightful rulers of Slavic lands.

Assassination  Serbian nationalist kills Archduke Franz Ferdinand, member of the royal Austro-Hungarian royal family in 1914.

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Russia pledged their support for Serbia. · example of Slavic nationalism Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. · example of German nationalism Germany declares war on Russia.

France pledges their support for Russia. Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to France. Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany. Italy switches sides and joins Allies when promised land from Britain in Treaty of London

Allied Powers Central Powers Neutral

World War I Allied Powers: Central Powers: Great Britain France Russia Italy Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire