THE FIRST WORLD WAR:

THE CAUSES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR There were four main contributors to the First World War: 1) Nationalism 2) Economic Rivalry 3) The Arms Race 4) Alliance System

NATIONALISM Nationalism results from feeling a strong sense of loyalty to a nation. Though often positive, it can result in growing feelings of hostility toward other nations. Nations feel superior to other nations and feel the best way to prove that is through war.

WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT EXAMPLES OF NATIONALISM?

ALSACE-LORRAINE At the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, France was defeated and had to surrender the region of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany. The region has large deposits of iron ore and coal as well as a strong textile industry. The area strengthened Germany’s naval and military power. Bitterness over this condition of surrender intensified French nationalism and anti-German feelings. In order to foster national pride, France joined other parts of Europe in the quest to colonize Africa.

UNIFICATION OF GERMAN STATES Following their victory in the Franco-Prussian War, many German states were unified under one leader. Otto Von Bismark worked to unify Germany under Prussian leadership. There were many German states and kingdoms in the region that united to fight France. This created a strong sense of German nationalism, closely related to the politics and economics of the situation. Germany also wanted to become and imperial power.

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY While general nationalism can unite a country, ethnic nationalism can have the opposite effect. Ethnic nationalism is the feeling of unification or identity rooted in religious, linguistic or cultural identity. (Quebec) The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a prime example of how ethnic nationalism can be destructive. It consisted of nationalities such as Serbs, Croats, Slovaks, Czechs, and Poles. C there were wars going on between many of these groups.

PAN-SLAVISM Russia wanted to exploit the precarious conditions in Austria-Hungary. They began the movement of Pan-Slavism which was an effort to gain power over Serbia by enticing Baltic based Slavs to join forces against Austria-Hungary.

BRITAIN -Britain had a great sense of nationalism because of its economic success and imperial conquests. -(Britain refers to the island of Britain consisting of England, Wales, & Scotland) -Citizens were empowered with the idea of duty and loyalty to the monarchy (King and Country). -Dedicated to Pax Britannia, a period of international peace facilitated by British military presence around the world -Britain was keen on preserving peace so they closely monitored aggressive behaviour by other nations.

MAP QUESTIONS Indicate on your map : Green- Triple Alliance Red-Triple Entente Blue- Russian Allies Purple-Neutral Countries

ECONOMIC RIVALRY Britain and Germany were in constant competition. A strong economy was the key to military and political power Many countries were involved in economic rivalry, which meant that they were racing to have the largest rate of economic growth. Germany’s economy was booming as a result of the annexation of Alsace- Lorraine and the unification of German states and kingdoms.

THE ARMS RACE An arms race is when rival states are in competition for military and technological superiority. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was determined to have Germany’s military equal that of Britain. Britain did not want to let Germany gain any advantage, so they worked to keep their military superiority.

THE NAVAL RACE Britain, being an island, depended on its navy to keep it secure. -Navy was twice the strength as any other in the world Germany planned a naval expansion to 41 battleships and 60 cruisers over 20 years. -This was seen as a threat by Britain, prompting further naval expansion and the development of the dreadnought, a new, state of the art battleship. -Britain had 29 ships, Germany 18, in 1914

Lets Germany and Britain were close allies until the early 1900s. Wilhelm II was the grandson of Queen Victoria. Be German naval expansion freaked out Britain. What were those old friends up to? It was suspicious! Friends Britain didn’t want to be alone if Germany attacked, so it made friends with former rivals, France and Russia.

German industries quickly surpassed Britain’s Their factories were newer and more modern than many in Britain because they had become industrialized later. Germany’s education system also produced more scientists and engineers to help develop competitive technology. This was not a period in history where people could enjoy the technologies created by other countries and congratulate their achievements. Instead, hostilities became more intense.

A SYSTEM OF ALLIANCES Otto von Bismark, the German chancellor, promoted alliances that temporarily facilitated peace His efforts were designed to isolate France Germany forms the Dual Alliance with Austria-Hungary 1882-Italy joins to make it the “Triple Alliance” 1887-Russia and Germany sign a Reinsurance Treaty stating that if either country is attacked by a third party, both will remain neutral. Bismark did not engage in military expansion and did not pursue colonial empires.

-Bismark was fired in 1890, two years after Wilhelm I died. Wilhelm II wanted to be chancellor himself. -Wilhelm let the Reinsurance Treaty lapse. -Russia turned to France as an ally, causing a significant shift in European dynamics. -Britain was nervous about Germany’s growing navy and the alliance between France and Russia. -Britain joined France and Russia in 1907 to become the Triple Entente.

ACTIVITY Examine the map on page 37. Answer the “Interpreting” and “In Review” questions.

THE ROAD TO WAR Russia, Turkey and Austria Hungary all had different ambitions that were connected to the acquisition of one or more of the Balkan states. The Balkans included Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Serbia, and parts of Greece Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina from Turkey Serbia was angry because of large populations of Serbians living in those states and the fact they lost access to the Adriatic Sea. Serbia hoped for Russian support, but did not receive any.

1912 Serbia formed “Balkan league” and declared war on Turkey, defeating them and reducing their presence in the region. Increasing Serbian strength concerned Austria- Hungary 1913-More war in the Balkans; Serbia almost doubles in size. Russia backed Serbia for protection from Austria- Hungary.

1) In what ways were the Balkans divided? 2) Who ruled the Balkans? Was it effective? Why or not? 3) What was Serbia’s goal at the beginning of the 20 th century? 4) What was the “Black Hand?” How did it contribute to the start of the war? 5) What was Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum?

War! The mood in many countries c was such that people were open to a revolt or challenge of traditional authority. Citizens of Vienna, Austria were delighted when they realized that their relationship with Serbia had crumbled. Canadians were also excited at the prospect of war, thinking it would be a good adventure and would be over quickly. So many countries had their own agenda and no one wanted to compromise and look weak.

Russia wanted the Balkans. Austria-Hungary wanted to keep Serbia under control. France wanted more power but was scared of Germany. Britain wanted everything to stay the same.