Causes of World War I

The Main Trigger Why was the assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand so important that it caused World War 1?

Imperial Europe

Serbia? Looks like a small and insignificant country in a world of large Empires. How was it a threat and how did it lead the world to war?

Colonial Rivalry

As you can see, much of the world was split between Britain, France, and Germany, the main players in Colonialism. Imperialism – Competition between countries to acquire the most land, resources and therefore status. “the sun never sets on the British Empire”

Imperialism Germany was much smaller than Britain and France. German Leader, Kaiser Wilhelm II was determined to “gain a place in the sun” Needed market for growing industries Gain respect for Germany on world stage.

The Balkans “Powder Keg”

The Balkans The Balkans are made up of primarily Slav people. Includes Serbians, Bulgarians and Romanians. Many Slav people were claimed by the Austro – Hungarian Empire.

The Balkans Serbia wanted to unite all the Slav Peoples, including those in Austria- Hungary. Austria-Hungary wanted to take over the Balkans to protect its empire. Russia Viewed itself as the protector of the Slavs.

French German Rivalry Alsace-Lorraine In 1870 France fought against Germany and lost. Forced to accept humiliating peace treaty Had to give up Alsace Lorraine. Group called the Revanchist wanted revenge

Arms Race Great Powers increased spending on arms All more than doubled, Germany and Russia quadrupled. As each country increased its weapons it became more confident, and war more likely. New technologies were being developed (Machine guns, Field guns)

Arms Race Anglo-German Naval Race Britain had the most powerful Navy in the world. Since it was an Island it depended on it. Germany had the best army Germany began building Navy Vessels. Not a major concern for Britain as it would take forever for Germany to catch up.

Arms Race Anglo-German Naval Race The invention of the Dreadnought battleship made all other ships obsolete. Germany was able to catch up and build 8 of these to Britain’s 9. Britain was now threatened by an equal navy and superior army.

Dreadnought Normal 16,000 tons 4 12inch guns 4 9inch guns 9 inch thick armour 18 knots top speed Dreadnought tons inch guns 18 4 inch guns 11 inch thick armour 22 knots top speed.

The Schlieffen Plan German General Von Schlieffen devised a plan to attack France. They would walk through Belgium quickly. Arrive in France before British would show up. French forces would expect them from Lorraine.

The Alliance System The Alliance system brought war closer by: Creating two armed camps The Triple Alliance – Germany, Italy, Austro-Hungary and The Triple Entente – Britain, France, Russia. If one was attacked, they were morally bound to protect each other.

Crisis Test 1 st Morocco crisis – France wanted Morocco. Kaiser wanted to test the Entente by paying a visit to Morocco and gave a speech supporting its independence. Thought Britain would back down Britain supported France and Kaiser forced to back down Kaiser humiliated

Bosnian Crisis Austria-Hungary took control of Bosnia- Herzegovina. Serbia wanted it for itself and appealed to Russia. Russia set up a conference but Austria refused to attend. Germany demanded Russia accept or face war. Russia backed down humiliated and became closer with the Entente.

The Balkan Wars Ottoman Controlled Area

Balkan Wars Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro allied to kick the Ottoman Empire out of Europe. In doing so, Serbia gained more land and became more powerful. Austro-Hungary much more threatened.

Serbia Gains more land

Assassination The Heir to the throne of the Austro- Hungarian Empire is assassinated by a Bosnian with support from Serbia. Gavrillo Princip was a member of the Black Hand, whose aim was to unite all Serbs in Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Alliances kick In Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Serbia. Russia supports Serbia declares war on Austria-Hungary. Germany moves into Belgium to start the Schlieffen Plan. France declares war on Germany Britain Supports France, declares war. World war 1 begins.