1. WORLD WAR I
Road to War

2. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the 4 M.A.I.N causes of WORLD WAR I

3. Trouble in Europe Germany, Russia and Italy wanted to expand
European countries were building up armies
Alliances were built between countries
If one country in an Alliance went to war, so did others

4. MAIN M A I N Causes of World War I -
ilitarism – policy of building up strong military forces to prepare for war
lliances - agreements between nations to protect one another (divided Europe into two teams)
mperialism – when a strong country takes over a weak country (colonies)
ationalism – pride in or loyalty to one’s country

5. Causes of WWI - Militarism
Militarism = A policy of building up strong military forces to prepare for war

6. 1910-1914 Increase in Defense Expenditures
Causes of WWI - Militarism
Increase in Defense Expenditures
France
10%
Britain
13%
Russia
39%
Germany
73%

7. Causes of WWI - Alliances
Alliances = agreements between nations to protect one another (divided Europe into 2 teams)

8. Allied Powers:
Central Powers:
Great Britain
Germany
France
World War I
Austria-Hungary
Russia
Ottoman Empire
Serbia
Bulgaria
Belgium

9. Causes of WWI - Imperialism
Imperialism = when a strong country takes over a weak country (colonies)

10. Causes of WWI - Nationalism
Nationalism = pride in or loyalty to one’s country.

11. BIG PROBLEM
Countries taking over territories and building up strong militaries.
Competition and rivalry in has created a great deal of tension in Europe.
Even the tiniest spark could cause war between two countries
Because of alliances, war between 2 countries will turn into war between many countries

12. The “Spark”

13. Archduke Franz Ferdinand is the heir to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire (means he will be their king!)

14. First Major Event of WWI
On June 28, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife of Austria Hungary are visiting Bosnia

15. On June 28, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist who believed that Bosnia should belong to Serbia.

16. The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia.
Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary.
Russia pledged their support for Serbia.

17. The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Germany declares war on Russia.
France pledges their support for Russia.
Germany declares war on France.
Germany invades Belgium on the way to France.
Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany.

18. Europe at War
Eastern Front
Western Front

19. What should America Do?
Many Americans believe that it is Europe’s war.
President Wilson encourages NEUTRALITY - We should stay out of it.
“Armed Neutrality”: remain neutral but ready to defend ourselves