Chapter 13 – The Great War Section 1 – Marching Toward War Main Idea: In Europe, military buildup, nationalistic feelings, and rival alliances set the state for a continental war Why It Matters Now: Ethnic conflict in the Balkan region, which helped start the war, continued to erupt in that area in the 1990’s

Setting the Stage Almost 30 years of peace in Europe. Whole generation had not seen the horrors of war Rising tensions in Europe – 1843 to 1907 “Peace Organizations” and “Peace Congresses” to keep peace in Europe

Factors Stopping Peace Nationalism – Germany wants new markets that Britain had Imperialism – Germany & France almost fight twice over Morocco Militarism – Creates an arms race

Tangled Alliances: By 1870 great powers have come together as friends Germany’s Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck united Germany by war – Scared of France, wants allies 1879 Dual Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany 1882 Italy joins forming Triple Alliance 1881 Bismarck signed treaty with Russia Kaiser Wilhelm II (leader of Germany) forces Bismarck to resign – 1890 stopped treaty with Russia Didn’t think he needed them

Tangled Alliances Cont… Britain formed an entente (alliance) with France Britain, France and Russia formed new group called Triple Alliance

Crisis in the Balkans The “Powder Keg” of Europe – Many ethnic groups Want their own country/freedom – Former Ottoman Empire colonies 1908-Austria annexed Bosnia (large Slav countries) – Serbia threatened war

JUNE 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife assassinated while visiting Sarajevo, Bosnian capital – Gavrilo Princip, 19-yr old member of Black Hand assassin – July 23, Serbs given harsh ultimatums Agreed to some but all – July 28, 1914 Austria rejected Serbia’s offer and declared war Same day Russia orders mobilization of troops on Austrian border

Britain, Italy and even Wilhelm urge Austria and Russia to negotiate but it is too late. War has been set in motion