Causes of World War One Ms. Campbell Socials 11

Imperialism Imperialism is a policy of one nation acquiring, controlling, or dominating another country or region – When one country exerts its influence over another country Powerful countries established colonies – Countries that are ruled by another country through an expanded sphere of influence Industrialization forced the necessity of expansion – new resources and markets What were some European Empires?

Britain “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”

France In constant battle with Germany for land and resources on the European continent Had an extensive empire in the Western Hemisphere and Central Africa

Russia Promoted Pan- Slavism  the unification of the Slavic peoples of the Balkans Why might Russia want to unite the Balkans? The Balkans

Austria-Hungary Saw Pan- Slavism as a threat Feared the loss of Slovenia and Croatia

Germany Came late to the colonizing “game” Had some colonies in Africa

Alliances An alliance is a union or agreement among groups working toward a common goal – A close association of nations – Joint military protection Countries hoped that forming alliances would reduce the threat of war – Instead it ensured that if one country became involved its allies would automatically have to fight as well

Alliances There were two major alliance systems in 1914 Triple AllianceTriple Entente Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy France, Britain, Russia

Militarism Militarism is a nation’s policy of enlisting, training, equipping, and maintaining armed forces ready for war – The Two-Power Standard was a British policy where their navy must be the size of the second two largest navies combined – This lead to an arms race between Germany and Britain to build the largest and most powerful navy

Nationalism Nationalism is a devotion to and support of one’s culture and nation, sometimes resulting in the promotion of independence – Pride in language and culture – Ethnic nationalism calls for liberation Where do you think nationalism was particularly strong? The Black Hand was a terrorist group of Bosnian Serbs that wanted a free Bosnia and threatened violence to achieve their goals

Countdown to War Countdown To War Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Germany offers Austria-Hungary a “Blank Cheque” Austria-Hungary mobilizes for war with Serbia Austria-Hungary issues Serbia an Ultimatum Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary Germany declares war on Russia France declares war on Germany Germany declares war on France Germany attacks France through Belgium – the Schlieffen Plan Britain declares war on Germany

Schlieffen Plan

Exit Slip What is one question you still have about the causes of World War One?