Europe around 1900  In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, several European countries were competing for power.  Germany was a strong united empire looking to get more land and power.  Austria-Hungary was an empire with many different ethnic groups under its control.  The Balkans (southeastern Europe) was controlled by AH and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)  Russia, France, and Great Britain were also powerful countries.

Alliances  To increase their own power and for protection if war should break out, the major European countries formed alliances  The TRIPLE ALLIANCE consisted of Germany, Austria- Hungary, and Italy.  The TRIPLE ENTENTE consisted of Great Britain, France, and Russia  There were other minor promises of protection: Russia and Serbia, GB and Belgium.

Militarism  Militarism – means the aggressive buildup of military forces in order to threaten or intimidate other countries.  All the major countries tried to increase the size of their armed forces.  Germany had the strongest military by  GB had a strong navy and felt that no one nation should dominate Europe, so they pledged to help weaker countries.

Imperialism  Imperialism – this is when strong countries dominate weaker ones  The major European countries all had COLONIES somewhere in Africa or Asia.  To Control colonies, a strong military was a must.

Nationalism  Nationalism – this is a feeling of intense pride in your own country.  Nationalism led some countries to try and expand their territory and power at the expense of weaker countries.  Self-Determination – means people who share a national identity should have their own country.  Example: The Balkan areas of Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Croatia wanted to break away from the AH the Ottoman empire.

An Assassination leads to war!  In 1908 AH annexed Bosnia.  Serbia wanted Bosnia to join them and is mad at AH  In June of 1914, The Archduke of AH, Franz Ferdinand and his wife visit Sarajevo (capital of Bosnia)  As they ride through town, they are shot to death by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the “Black Hand”.  Serbian officials knew about the plan and hoped it would hurt AH.

War begins, Alliances kick in…  AH blames Serbia for the assassination and on July 28 declares war!  Russia helps Serbia  Germany helps AH  France helps Russia  Germany invades Belgium to get to France  GB joins to help Belgium

 The Central Powers: Germany, AH, Turkey and Bulgaria  The Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, and GB World War I – who’s fighting who?

Where were they fighting????  Western front = France. Germany had invaded France. France and GB were fighting Germany here.  Eastern Front = Russia. AH and German forces invaded Russia and were fighting there.

For the quiz tomorrow – you need to know:  5 causes of W W I:  Alliances  Military buildup  Nationalism  Imperialism  Assassination of the Archduke

Also know…  The Central Powers: AH and Germany  The Allies: Russia, France and GB