MAINS Causes of WWI Horrible Histories Video

Causes Acronym M- Militarism A- Alliance System I- Imperialism N- Nationalism S- Serbia

Causes of WWI Militarism—aggressive preparation for war conscription or military draft The growth of massive armies raised tensions in Europe. Alliance system Was tested by crises in Balkans Triple Alliance (Central Powers)—Germany, A-H, & Italy Triple Entente (Allied Powers)—France, Russia, & GB Imperialism Competition for colonies & trade grew during an age of frenzied nationalism & imperialist expansion. Nationalism Liberals had believed if states were grouped along national lines they would work together peacefully. Serbian problem —Slavic people wanted their independence from A-H Russia—fellow Slavs agreed to help Serbia

Militarism aggressive preparation for war even if there is currently no fighting. Prussia unites the German states into the Empire of Germany, giving them more resources for military use. Empire of Germany, because of the lack of natural barriers and central European location, relies on their military for protection.

Militarism Russia has a million-man army; under-equipped and poorly trained but the Germany military referred to them as the “Russian Steamroller” Industrialization mass-produced weapons in unbelievable amounts.

Militarism The British built the “Dreadnoughts,” a class of super ships and soon the Germans copy the design. The British Two Power Policy: The British navy would be larger than the next two powers combined.

Militarism Innovation and scientific progress was applied to military purposes (gas warfare, airplanes). Germany begins to build a navy to compete with the British. Military officers would create plans for certain scenarios. When the scenario took place, they just put the pre-developed plan into action (Schlieffen Plan).

Alliance System From 1870 – 1914, the major powers create, let slip, rearrange, and recreate a number of alliances. The purpose of the alliance was to increase a nation’s power and security. Many of the treaties were made in secret.

Alliance System The two most important alliances were: Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. (1890) Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia Franco-Russian Alliance British-French Entente Cordial (1905)

Imperialism Colonial rivalries created conflicts around the world.

Imperialism Thailand remained independent because Britain and France wanted a “buffer state” between British India and French Southeast Asia (Vietnam).

Imperialism Conflicts in Africa, such as the Fashoda Crisis and the Boer War, brought European countries to the brink of a global war.

Imperialism Germany was late to the imperial game and aggravated the French and British by trying to turn natives against their colonial masters (Moroccan Crisis).

Nationalism No sense of a community of nations or that nations should work together. All alliances are motivated by self-interest.

Nationalism In the Balkans, the desire for national boundaries to correspond with national or ethnic groups living in the regions (Pan Slavism) (Serbian nationalist Organizations)

Nationalism Thanks to Darwin’s theories of survival of the fittest and evolution, each country considered themselves the top of human achievement, therefore, superior to all others. The English refer to the French as “The Frogs.” Democratic nations feel they are superior to monarchies - and vice versa.

Serbia Allies: Serbia & Russia vs. Germany & Austria Hungary The Serbians (from the Balkans) blamed Austria Hungary for their failure to create a large Serbian state . A-H felt Serbia was a threat. Russia was outraged over the annexation but was threatened by Germany to back down or go to war. Russia then guaranteed full support to the Balkans This constant threat lasted for almost 50 years.

Serbia Archduke Francis Ferdinand-heir the Austrian throne is assassinated by the Black Hand; a Serbian terrorist group. Germany issues A-H a “blank check” & promise “full support” in war. Russia mobilizes troops to help Serbia (militarism) Germany see this as an act of war & declares war on Russia WWI begins—all allies taking sides