1. Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Significant individuals
The Causes of WW1
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism
Significant individuals

2. Militarism 1. 1890’s arms race begins
Germany was competing with the UK to build battleships.
The British feared an attack on their Empire
Countries began to mobilize in order to protect land in case of war

3. Militarism 2.
Germany was competing with Russia and France to expand their armies
Germany 1.3m 5.0m
France 0.73m 4.0m
Russia 0.40m 1.2m

4. Alliances 1. Countries in Europe began to take sides
First group Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy and separate treaty with Russia
New leader in Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II wants to show power and ends treaty with Russia

5. Alliances 2.
A new alliance is formed with Russia, France, Great Britain = Triple Entente (Allies)
The alliances made it more likely that a war would start. Two groups against one another
Once the war started, the alliances made it more likely to spread.
By 1914 all the major powers were linked by a system of alliances.
1915 Italy joins the Allies (triple Entente), Bulgaria & Ottoman Empire joins the Central Powers (Triple Alliance)

6. Imperialism
All the great powers were competing for colonies / territory.
Wanted materials to improve economy
Creates territorial disputes
The British feared Germany in Africa.
Germany almost went to war with France
The Austrians feared Serbia / Russia in the Balkans

7. Nationalism Countries created a deep devotion to their nation
This was an age when all nations wanted to assert their power and independence.
The area called the Balkans was once controlled by the Ottoman Empire now wants their independence.
In Europe Slavs, aided by Serbia and Russia, wanted to be free of Austrian rule.
This is a very unstable region
Serbia’s national flag

8. Significant Individuals 1.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Built up German army and navy
Aggressive foreign policy
Determined to make Germany a top nation.
Distrusted by other powers
“Germany must have its place in the sun”
“The world belongs to the strong.”

9. Significant Individuals 2
Count Berchtold
Austrian Prime Minister.
During the July Crisis, gives a very tough ultimatum for Serbia
“Were the Serbs to agree to all the demands, this would not be to my liking”

10. Significant Individuals 3
June 28, 1914
Heir to Austrian throne Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo.
Capital of Bosnia, recently taken by Austria.
Hotbed of Slav nationalism
Seal of the Black Hand group

11. The Crisis 1. “Black Hand” terrorists attack the Arch Duke
Bomb attempt fails in the morning.
Gavrilo Princip shoots Archduke and wife in the afternoon.
Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists and gives Serbia a harsh list of demands in order not to declare war

12. The Crisis 2. Austrians are supported by Germany
Serbia agrees to all but two terms of the ultimatum and tries to negotiate.
Austria says this is not enough and wages war on July 28th 1914
Russia mobilizes her troops to support Serbia
Germany demands that Russia stands her armies down near their boarders.
Germany declares war on Russia
“Demands must be put to Serbia that would be wholly impossible for them to accept …”

13. Why did Britain get involved?
Britain had Ententes with France and Russia and is also friends with Belgium.
Only “friendly agreements” but French and Russians are given the impression Britain would fight.
Germany plans to attack France and the West first known as the Schlieffen Plan
Sir Edward Grey
British Foreign Secretary … “There’s some devilry going on in Berlin”

14. The Schlieffen Plan
Germany’s military plan to defeat France and Russia.
“Knock out blow” aimed at the Western Front first.
Avoid French defences by invading Belgium.
Belgium is neutral but Germany marches through.
Germans thought Britain would not intervene.

15. Britain’s Reaction 1838- UK had signed a Treaty to protect Belgium.
Britain also scared of Germany controlling Channel ports.
Did not want Germany to defeat France and dominate Europe.
UK issued ultimatum to Germany to withdraw troops from Belgium.
War declared August 4, 1914

16. German’s Plan Fails Germany was winning and about to take Paris
When France received important information to stop Germany at the Marne River and push them back.
The quick war is over for Germany, they send forces to Russia.
Germany must
fight a 2 Front
war.

17. Eastern Front
Russia was the weaker European country because it was not industrialized
Russia was separated from the rest of the allies. Blocked by Germany
Shortages of goods, guns, ammunition, clothes & blankets.
1915 already 2 million had died
1918 Russian Revolution starts
Russia pulls out of WWI
They create a separate treaty with Germany = Brest-Litovsk