The M.A.I.N. Causes of World War I

Militarism Militarism is the policy of building up military forces, weapons and threatening the use of armed aggression. Britain and Germany spent millions to build up their armies and navies. This fuelled a rivalry between the two most powerful nations in the world. Britain and Germany competed to produce more Dreadnoughts than the other.

Militarism Britain boasted the largest naval fleet in the world, and had a policy stated their navy was to be 10% larger than the combined totals of the next two naval powers. The arms race between Britain and Germany depleted the wealth of both nations, and increased the likelihood of war. It seemed the only way to guarantee peace was by preparing for war. The size of the army and navy determined who would be the most powerful nation in the world.

Alliances Alliances are formed when countries band together against a common threat, and pledge to support each other in times of war. Alliances are dangerous because they increase fear and suspicion among rivals. A war between two nations, would involve many more. By 1914, the nations of Europe believed that alliances would help to ensure their safety.

Alliances Britain, France and Russia formed an alliance known as the Triple Entente. Germany, Austria/Hungary and Italy formed an alliance known as the Triple Alliance.

Alliances In theory, the purpose of an alliance is to avoid war. No country would dare attack one member of an alliance because the other nations would enter the war too. What do you think? Do alliances serve to avoid war, or make war more likely?

Imperialism A nation’s extension of its authority over lands by political, economic or military means. As the countries of Europe industrialized, they wanted colonies away from home to build an empire. France occupied parts of northwest Africa and the far east. Russia occupied parts of northern Europe and Asia.

Imperialism Britain’s empire, the largest in the world, included Canada, New Zealand, Australia and India. Even the U.S. was active in empire-building with Hawaiian islands and the Philippines What about Germany?

Imperialism Germany looked to the Balkans and mid-east for expansion, and began to build a railroad from Berlin to Baghdad. Britain was threatened by this because they believed that Germany was being too aggressive. Russia was threatened by this because their access to the Mediterranean Sea might be affected.

Nationalism Nationalism is extreme pride in one’s nation, usually accompanied by a feeling of deep loyalty. Nationalist feelings were especially strong in Serbia. Serbia bordered the Austrian province of Bosnia.

Nationalism Austria-Hungary had annexed (taken over) Bosnia in Many Bosnian-Serbs hated being under the control of Austria-Hungary. A Bosnian terrorist group know as the “Black Hand” was formed. Their motto was “Union (with Serbia) or Death.” Austro-Hungarians expressed their nationalism by opposing Bosnia in their attempts to break away from their empire.

The Shot Heard Around the World On account of the tension that had built up because of M.A.I.N., Europe was described as a powder keg waiting to explode. The “spark” that ignited the powder-keg of Europe was provided by Gavrillo Princip. As a member of the Black Hand, Princip assassinated Austria’s archduke, Franz Ferdinand.