1. Map of Europe in 1900

2. Empires of the World in 1914

3. Causes of WWI and the Spark
Militarism
The aggressive buildup of armed forces.
Alliances
A union formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
Imperialism
The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
Nationalism
A feeling of intense pride in one’s homeland.
The Spark
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary
Triggered all of the alliances.

4. Beginning of WWI Timeline
How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand start WWI?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary assassinated by Serbian group the “Black Hand.”
Austria decides to crush Serbia in response and asks Germany to back them up in case Russia joins. Germany agrees.
Serbia knows they have help from Russia.
France had decided to ally with Russia in case Germany ever attacked and they were stuck fighting them themselves.

5. Beginning of WWI Timeline
How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand start WWI?
On July 28, 1914 A.H. attacks Serbia.
Russia comes to the aid of Serbia.
On August 1, Germany declares war on Russia and on Aug. 3 attacks France.
On the way to France, Germany goes through Belgium which brings Great Britain into the war.
WWI had begun.

6. The Schlieffen Plan

7. The Schlieffen Plan