1. The Great War

2. In Europe, military buildup, nationalistic feelings, imperialism, and rival alliances set the stage for a continental war. One European nation after another was drawn into a large and industrialized war that resulted in many casualties.

5. Causes of World War I Militarism – policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war. Alliance System – both public and secret alliances drug most of the continent of Europe into war. Imperialism – industrialization led to competition for materials and markets and resulted in territorial disputes. Nationalism – a deep devotion to one’s nation.

6. Shifting Alliances –1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II, built up navy, let treaty with Russia lapse. –Triple Entente – Great Britain, France, and Russia

8. Crisis in the Balkans ‘Powder Keg’ of Europe Serbian nationalism – supported by Russia, opposed by Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, Serbia outraged.

9. A Shot Rings Throughout Europe June 28, 1914 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife Sophie assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an Ultimatum. July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia mobilized troops to borders of both Austria-Hungary and Germany. Germany declared war on Russia, then on Russia’s ally France.

11. The Schlieffen Plan German plan to avoid a two-front war. Sweep through Belgium, quickly defeat France, then turn to face Russia. ‘Poor Little Belgium’ August 4, 1914 – Great Britain declared war on Germany for invading neutral Belgium. The Schlieffen Plan Failed.

12. The Schlieffen Plan

13. European Nations Take Sides Central Powers – Austria-Hungary, Germany (Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire later joined in hopes of regaining lost territories.) Allies – Great Britain, France, Russia (Japan within weeks, later Italy) It Begins – in late summer, 1914, millions marched happily off to what they thought would be a short war.