1. Causes of WwI

2. Militarism Countries begin building up arms and armies
Arms race (“out do” one another)
Belief that a strong army is a necessity
Glorification of war

3. Alliances
Nations did not trust one another and looked for “friends” they could trust
Two main alliances:
Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary
Triple Entente: Britain (and its colonies), France, Russia, Serbia

4. Imperialism Empire building- taking over other countries/regions
Created rivalry/competition for land and resources (in Africa and Asia)
Austria-Hungary controlled many ethnic groups in the Balkan region

5. Nationalism Extreme pride in one’s country
Causes dislike for other countries
Causes competition with other countries
Slavic groups ruled by Austria-Hungary wanted independence

6. The Spark Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia
Austria-Hungary blames Serbia and declares war!
So who is actually to blame?