Who was responsible for starting World War I?
M ilitarism A lliances I mperialism N ationalism
Militarism European countries: To be great– must have powerful military “a policy of glorifying military power and keeping a standing army always prepared for war.” Large, strong standing army? = patriotism and fear Quickly mobilize, organize, and move troops Arms race
Alliances Growing rivalry and mistrust Designed to keep peace in Europe Competition Eventually pushes toward war Increase strength One conflict/dispute? Entire continent at war
Alliances Central Powers (Triple Alliance) Germany Austria-Hungary Italy*** Purpose: Link together for strength and power Allied Powers (Triple Entente) France Great Britain Russia (United States) Purpose: worries of strengthening Germany
Imperialism “a policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, economically, and socially.” Africa and Asia Goal: Build national wealth and influence with colonies Pushed to the brink of war Rivalry and mistrust grew
Nationalism “the belief that people should remain loyal to those with whom they share a culture and history, rather than a king or empire.” New desires to create independent nations Serbians, Czechs, Slovakians, Bosnians, etc.
Crisis in the Balkans Ottoman Empire declining Large number of ethnic groups Groups long to create and extend their own borders Serbia Austria-Hungary- opposed Stir rebellion among Slavs Russia- supported
The Balkans… Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina Serbia wanted territory- outraged Tensions rise between Serbia and Austria
A Shot Rings Throughout Europe Archduke Franz Ferdinand- Austro- Hungarian heir Visited Sarajevo (Bosnia) in June 1914 Franz Ferdinand and Sophie shot point-blank in their open car Gavrilo Princip- 19 year old Serbian nationalist (Black Hand)
The Cusp of War Victims: Austrian Assassin: Serbian July 23, Austria sends ultimatum to Serbia To avoid war, they agreed to most demands Austria already settled on war
“The Great War Begins” July 28, Austria- Hungary declares war on Serbia Russia (Serbian ally) mobilizes troops toward Austria and Germany August 1, Germany declares war on Russia August 3, Germany declares war on France (Russian ally) Great Britain declares war on Germany
“The War to End All Wars” Central Powers: Germany, Austria- Hungary (Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire) Allies Great Britain, France, Russia (Japan, Italy**) War begins– soldiers expect a short war Few saw the horrors to come…
World War I Begins… history/videos/causes-of-world-war-i history/videos/causes-of-world-war-i
Who is to blame for WWI?