Causes of and the beginning of World War I

What is our definition of nationalism???

Nationalism Having an intense feeling of pride in one’s country. The feeling that a specific nation, language, or culture is superior to all others. Became a force for unification in Europe and throughout the world –Italy 1840s –Germany 1870s –Balkans early 1900s

Imperialism The practice of extending a nation’s power by gaining territories for a colonial empire By the late 1800s, Britain was the world’s largest imperial power. –France, Germany, Italy and Russia, wanted to create similar empires Countries struggled over territory in Europe and throughout the world –Tension builds

Militarism Definition: the glorification of armed strength There was a belief that international problems could be solved through force (i.e. Prussia) In the late 1800s European nations built large armies –One nation would mobilize – ready army and other resources for combat –Other nations would do the same to “keep up”

Militarism (continued) Armies grew larger as each nation did not want to be weaker than its enemies –Example of the balance of power Spending for weapons and fortification of national boundaries multiplied

Military Preparedness Large portion of population received military training Stockpiles of weapons being created to prepare for conflict  escalation of arms race Larger amounts of national treasuries were being directed towards military expenditures

What does militarism mean? a)Having a big armyHaving a big army b)Glorification of armed strengthGlorification of armed strength c)Military training for a country’s populationMilitary training for a country’s population d)Solving problems by forceSolving problems by force

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Alliances Balance of power – a situation in which the strength of rival countries or alliances is nearly equal –Cause of alliance systems prior to WWI 3 Emperor’s League – secret agreement of neutrality between France, Austria-Hungary, and Russia –Persuaded Italy to align with Germany and Austria- Hungary Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy –Isolated France

Alliances (continued) 3 Emperor’s League ended  Russia and Austria were rivals Otto von Bismarck created Reinsurance Treaty – neutrality w/ Russia again Great Britain and Russia recognize each others spheres of influence and form an alliance Triple Entente – Britain, Russia, France

Alliances (continued) Central Powers – Germany, Austria- Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Allied Powers – France, Russia, Britain, Italy, and their allies (included U.S.)

What was the agreement for the 3 Emperor’s League? a)Protect each other if attackedProtect each other if attacked b)Help each other build armsHelp each other build arms c)NeutralityNeutrality d)Loan each other money in crisesLoan each other money in crises

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Britain, Russia, France and their allies formed what alliance? a)Triple EntenteTriple Entente b)Central PowersCentral Powers c)Triple AllianceTriple Alliance d)Allied PowersAllied Powers

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Causes of World War I Serbia wanted to increase size by annexing Bosnia-Herzegovina –Russia supported Serbia Pan-Slavism – political and cultural unity of all Slavs under Russian leadership Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Francis Ferdinand assassinated by a Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip **“spark” that started WWI** Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia – July 28, 1914 Black Hand Symbol

Causes of World War I (continued) Russia backs Serbia and mobilizes troops to Austro-Hungarian border Germany issues ultimatum on Russia to retreat –August 1 st - Germany declares war on Russia –August 3 rd - Afraid that France would side with Russia, Germany declares war on France August 3 rd - Britain declares war on Germany after Germany invaded Belgium

What can be considered the “spark” that lead to WWI? a)Serbia’s desire for Bosnia-HerzegovinaSerbia’s desire for Bosnia-Herzegovina b)Russia mobilizing troops to Austro- Hungarian borderRussia mobilizing troops to Austro- Hungarian border c)Germany’s ultimatum on RussiaGermany’s ultimatum on Russia d)Assassination of Archduke Francis FerdinandAssassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

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Schlieffen Plan – rapid two- pronged attack on France

1 st Battle of the Marne (September 1914) German Army was within 25 miles of Paris French Troops launched a counterattack at the Marne River Germans retreated – abandoned Schlieffen Plan Trench Warfare ensues 500,000+ French and Germans killed or wounded

Battle of Verdun (February December 1916) French Verdun- town with Forts German would advance and try to “bleed” France to death- French drove Germans back Longest WWI battle Over 250,000 killed 500,000 wounded Verdun showed the French determination as shown by the sacrifice of its defenders

Battle of the Somme (July 1 to November ) Chief Ally attack Goals- kill soldiers, gain territory, draw German’s away from Verdun 19,240 British killed on first day (British record)

Innovations of Warfare Machine gun – lead to trench warfare to avoid rapid fire Tank – British invention, allowed them to tear through barbed wire Airplane – used to observe troop movements –Sometimes used for dogfights and bombings

Innovations of Warfare (continued) Submarines – Germans used U-Boats (underwater boat) Poison gas – used by Germans Total war – nation turns all resources to aid war effort Propaganda – ideas, facts, rumors spread deliberately to further one’s cause or damage an opponent

Discussion Question Do you think World War I was inevitable? Why or why not? Write down your thoughts and ideas to share with the class!!!