1. Long Term Causes of The Great War 1914 – 1918

2. MILITARISM Militarism denoted a rise in military expenditure, an increase in military and naval forces, more influence of the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. Militarism was one of the main causes of the First World War.

3. IMPERIALISM Another factor which contributed to the increase in rivalry in Europe was imperialism. Great Britain, Germany and France needed foreign markets after the increase in manufacturing caused by the Industrial Revolution. These countries competed for economic expansion in Africa.

4. IMPERIALISM PART II Although Britain and France resolved their differences in Africa, several crises foreshadowing the war involved the clash of Germany against Britain and France in North Africa. In the Middle East, the crumbling Ottoman Empire was alluring to Austria-Hungary, the Balkans and Russia.

5. NATIONALISM Nationalism posed a problem for Austria- Hungary and the Balkans, areas comprised of many conflicting national groups. The ardent Pan Slavism of Serbia and Russia's willingness to support its Slavic brother conflicted with Austria-Hungary's Pan-Germanism.

6. ALLIANCE SYSTEMS The alliance system was started by Bismarck, the German Chancellor from 1871 to 1890. Bismarck organized a system of alliances designed to maintain Germany's power on the European continent. 1879 The Dual Alliance Germany and Austria- Hungary made an alliance to protect themselves from Russia 1881 Austro-Serbian Alliance Austria-Hungary made an alliance with Serbia to stop Russia gaining control of Serbia 1882 The Triple Alliance Germany and Austria- Hungary made an alliance with Italy to stop Italy from taking sides with Russia

7. ALLIANCE SYSTEMS Continued 1894 Franco-Russian Alliance: Russia formed an alliance with France to protect herself against Germany and Austria-Hungary 1904 Entente Cordiale: This was an agreement, but not a formal alliance, between France and Britain. 1907 Anglo-Russian Entente: This was an agreement between Britain and Russia

8. ALLIANCE SYSTEMS FINAL! 1907 Triple Entente: This was made between Russia, France and Britain to counter the increasing threat from Germany. The stage is set for WAR!!

9. Assassination in Sarajevo Two bullets fired on a Sarajevo street on a sunny June morning in 1914 set in motion a series of events that shaped the world we live in today.