1. World War I Causes Project
Jessica Ly
Block 1
Mrs. Zahora

2. Nationalism Nationalism:
People thinking that their country is the best, or when people who share certain similarities should have their own nation.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Great Britain was full of nationalism in the sense that they were extremely proud of their country, and felt that it towered in greatness compared to others.
This caused Great Britain to enter WWI because Great Britain could not let their pride go on the line; so they had to join the war in order to secure their place at the top once again.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War: Great Britain was the best both economically and politically- meaning that they had the best industries, military, trade, etc.
This caused Great Britain to enter WWI because they were convinced that, with all that they owned, the war would be an easy win.
ALL Countries:
Nationalism caused all countries to enter WWI because citizens had the need to protect their beloved country, or people that were alike (like the Slavic's) wanted to all be ruled under the same nation.

3. Alliances
Alliances:
Countries “teaming up”- they make an agreement to help each other in times of war.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Austria/Hungary was allied with Italy, along with Germany. Together, the three were called the “Triple Alliance.”
This caused Austria/Hungary to enter WWI because Austria/Hungary kept Italy from siding with Russia, meaning one less enemy.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Called the “Dual Alliance,” Austria/Hungary and Germany were allies.
This caused Austria/Hungary to enter WWI because both countries allied in order to have a defense against Russia. Austria/Hungary was certain that Germany would prevent their downfall.
ALL Countries:
Alliances caused all countries to enter WWI because they dragged in countries that would’ve never joined the war, but had to, due to the ties and connections that had made with other nations.

4. Imperialism Imperialism
Larger and stronger countries take over weaker colonies to have a source of raw materials and a new market.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Great Britain had the most colonies out of all of the nations.
This caused Great Britain to enter WWI because they needed to defend their territories. They were protective over the immense amount of land they owned, and wary of competitors- the smallest thing could turn them into huge threats.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Great Britain had control over much of the world’s best land, and aimed for markets across the globe.
This caused Great Britain to enter WWI because they had to make it clear and protect their property- the land and markets. This is because of countries such as Germany and Italy, who wanted what Great Britain had.
ALL Countries:
Imperialism caused all countries to enter WWI because it was a competition for land, because land meant new markets and resources that would make a country more powerful.

5. Militarism/Arms Race Militarism/Arms Race:
A country believing that they need a stronger military. A competition between two or more countries as to who has stronger armed forces.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Germany had the most powerful military in Europe.
This caused Germany to enter WWI because with a dominant army and a steadily expanding navy, they were sure that they could win the war.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Germany’s growing navy was strong enough to be competition for their rival, Great Britain’s fleet.
This caused Germany to enter WWI because Great Britain had much that Germany desired, such as land. The war could be an opportunity for Germany to bring down the other country and claim the land.
ALL Countries:
Failure of Diplomacy caused all countries to enter WWI because countries held rivalries against each other, and fought to have the best military. They went against each other in war for this.
Picture: Problems they did not talk about.

6. Spark (“Assassination”)
The murder of someone important. In the case of a government, if someone high up is killed, this may be the “spark” to start a war.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Archduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated.
This caused Austria/Hungary to enter WWI because they blamed Serbia for the death of their archduke, as they had provided the weapons.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Austria-Hungary delivered a note to Serbia, stating the reasons why Serbia was to be blamed for the death of Ferdinand. Serbia completely denied having anything to do with the death.
This caused Austria/Hungary to enter WWI because they were greatly angered by Serbia’s reply, because they had wanted the other country to admit to their wrongdoing.
ALL Countries:
Spark (“Assassination”) caused all countries to enter WWI because the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was what started the fight between Austria/Hungary and Serbia. This marks the beginning of World War I.

7. U.S. Spark: Unrestricted Sub Warfare
Passengers on a boat or ship are not given any kind of warning before the vessel is destroyed.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
The United States profited from selling war items to countries in the fight. Then Germany halted the transport of goods to the North Atlantic by sinking any ships or boats near Great Britain.
This caused the United States to enter WWI because Germany was sinking their ships- lives, goods, and a source of revenue were all lost.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
The U.S. ship, Lusitania, was sunk by a submarine, killing more than one thousand people.
This caused the United States to enter WWI because this caused much unsettlement for Americans, and the huge loss of lives was a hard hit for them. The government began to take action against Germany, because they were causing much harm to American citizens and to the United States as a whole.

8. U.S. Spark: Zimmerman Telegram
A telegram sent to the United States from Germany; it stated that Germany was planning on restarting unrestricted sub warfare, make an alliance with Mexico, and become the U.S.’s rival.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Germany attempts to ally with Mexico, guaranteeing to have New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas back under Mexican control.
This caused the United States to enter WWI because the three states belong to them, and Germany had no right to take them away.
1 Country Detail and 1 why go to War:
Germany sends the Zimmerman Telegram. Included in the note, Germany states that they will become the United States’ enemy.
This caused the United States to enter WWI because they need to join in order to go against Germany as they’re official enemies. They also need to prevent Germany from inflicting further damage to their country.