The Great War WW1

This presentation will examine the causes that led to WWI

 On June , the Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand was shot and killed. When the news of his death was first made public few people took notice.  However,this seemingly unimportant event was to be the spark that ignited the powder keg of war.

Four main causes Alliances Nationalism Imperialism Militarism (Arms Race) M.A.I.N WAR

Alliances  France and Germany had been enemies for centuries and each had tried to get support from other countries incase of future conflict.  The countries of Europe sought protection by forming alliances.  The process of countries banding together is called forming alliances.  France allied itself with Russia and Britain, this alliance was called the Triple Entente.  Germany allied itself with Austria-Hungary and Italy, this alliance was known as the Triple Alliance.

Alliances: The Triple Entente “Allies”  France had traditionally been enemies with both Britain and Russia.  Nevertheless, the governments of these three countries had one thing in common, all were alarmed at the way the balance of power in Europe had been altered by the formation of the German Empire.

Alliances: The Triple Alliance  The Triple Alliance was formed in 1882, largely as a means of keeping France isolated. Germany had defeated France in a short war from and were worried that France would seek revenge.

Alliances  Although the purpose of alliances was to prevent war, they in fact had the opposite effect. Why do you think this is?

Militarism (Arms Race)  This is the belief in the power of armies and navies to decide issues…essentially, the idea that the biggest army wins.  The ironic belief that the only way to prevent war was to be prepared for war. (Scare your enemies so they don’t attack)-  does this remind you of any present day situations?

Militarism (Arms Race)  At the beginning of the 20 th century Britain’s navy was unrivalled.  Being an island, Britain relied on its giant navy for trade and to control waters.  Britain became particularly upset by the fact that Germany was building a huge navy.  As the nations of Europe became more militarized they became increasingly suspicious and alarmed by each other’s military power.

Militarism (Arms Race)  “ One nation increases its army and makes strategic railways towards the frontiers of neighboring countries. The second nation makes counter- strategic railways and increases its army in reply. The first nation says this is very unreasonable, because its own military preparations were only precautions; the second nation says that its preparations also were only precautions, and so it goes on..”  Sir Edward Grey- British Foreign Secretary  With a partner, Summarize Grey’s opinion in your own words.

Imperialism  Imperialism is the policy of controlling foreign lands either through directly or indirectly controlling the politics and or economies of another country.  The term is used by some to describe the policy of a country in maintaining colonies and dominance over distant lands. colonies Egypt IndiaCanada With a partner, Describe what is happening in this cartoon. Britain

Imperialism  Colonies are a source of raw materials and a market for manufacture goods.  They also give the mother country glory and military strength. British Empire

Imperialism By the early 20 th century:  France owned large areas in Northwest Africa and the Far East.  Russia controlled a vast empire across northern Europe and Asia  Britain owned the largest Empire in the world  The US gained colonies of Hawaii and the Philippines.  Germany wanted its “share” of colonies and world markets as well, but by the time Germany got around to building an empire, all that remained for it were some territories in Africa and the pacific that weren’t very valuable.

Nationalism  Nationalism is a feeling of deep loyalty to one’s nation.  In the 19 th century this was a powerful force that helped people of the same culture come together to form nations.  By the 20 th century, extreme nationalism was one of the forces causing problems because people felt so strongly they were willing to take any action to help their nation..even start wars to promote the interests of their “motherland”

Nationalism  Serbia was very Nationalistic in the early 1900’s.

Nationalism  Serbia: – Nation on the border of the Austrian Province of Bosnia – Bosnia contained many people of Serbian descent who resented being under Austrian control and wanted Bosnia to become part of Serbia. – These people formed the terrorist organization known as the Black Hand whose motto was “Union (with Serbia) or Death”. – Gavrilo Princip was a member of the Black Hand.

A Chain Reaction  In 1914, to demonstrate its imperial rule, the Austro-Hungarian Empire sent its crown prince, Archduke Franz Ferdinand to Bosina’s capital of Sarajevo.  His visit gave the Black Hand a chance to strike back at the Empire, whom they saw as an invader.  As the Archduke made his way through the city, Gavrilo Princip shot and killed Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

A Chain Reaction  The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip set off a chain reaction of events that would eventually cause WW1.

Great Books on Causes and Lead Up to WW1 Europe  Rites of Spring – Eksteins  Guns of August – Tuchman