1. Effects of Imperialism and Colonialism
Causes of World War I
Effects of
Imperialism and Colonialism

2. 1900 to 1913
The nations of Europe had been at peace with one another for nearly 100 years.
An entire generation had grown up without knowing the horrors of war.

4. 1900 to 1913
Some Europeans believed that progress had made war a thing of the past.
This was the age of progress (electric lights, silent movies, automobiles, airplanes, skyscrapers, telephone, etc.).

5. Why then, did Europe go to war?

6. So Why Did Europeans Go To War?

7. Militarism
To glorify military power by keeping a powerful standing army.
- Caused an arms race among
Europeans.
- Troops trained to quickly mobilize,
organize, and fight.
- A large standing army made people
feel secure.

8. Alliances
An agreement between countries that if one is attacked, the allies will come to the country’s defense.
1907 two rival camps existed in Europe.

9. Imperialism The race to create colonies.
Britain : largest and most powerful empire.
European competed for colonies in Africa and Asia.
This competition caused tension between countries

10. Nationalism A deep devotion to one’s nation - Extreme Patriotism
+ unifies people in a country
– creates competition between nations.
A fierce rivalry developed in Europe.

11. Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy unite into the Triple Alliance to isolate France.
Kaiser Wilhelm II (1890) becomes ruler of Germany

12. Triple Entente
Great Britain, France, and Russia form the Triple Entente.

13. Triple Alliance Triple Entente

14. You just need a spark!

15. Assassination Where: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Who: Archduke Franz Ferdinand & Wife Sophia
The Spark that Starts the war.

16. Serbian Nationalist
Gavrilo Princip, assassin
Black Hand Organization

17. Austria-Hungary Declares War
1st – Austria-Hungary
2nd – Russia fights for Serbia.
“Protector of the Slavs”
3rd – Britain declares war when Germany crosses Belgium to attack France.
Allies join in the fight.
World War I Begins