Causes of World War I TENSION EVERYWHERE!!!

entente – a nonbinding agreement to follow common policies Terms and Places entente – a nonbinding agreement to follow common policies militarism – glorification of the military Alsace and Lorraine – provinces on the border of Germany and France, lost by France to Germany in 1871; regained by France after WWI ultimatum – a final set of demands mobilize – to prepare military forces for war neutrality – supporting neither side in a war 2

Why and how did World War I begin in 1914? By 1914, Europe had enjoyed a century of relative peace. Two alliances were formed with the intention of keeping that peace. When an Austrian Archduke was assassinated, a local conflict became an international war because of alliance obligations. Very small conflict between 2 nations quickly turns into EVERYONE AT WAR 3

Triple Alliance or Central Powers Triple Entente or Allies European powers created alliances in the late nineteenth century to promote peace. Triple Alliance or Central Powers Triple Entente or Allies Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Eventually added: Ottoman empire France Russia Britain Japan Ask students: Why is France and Germany on opposite sides? Why is Germany and Britain on opposite sides? Britain felt threatened by Germany’s quick economic growth and military growth. Jealous much? Germany felt like Britain did not give them respect 4

These alliances were based on previous wars, new economic rivalries, and competition for colonies. These rivalries increased militarism, which painted war in a romantic light. The great powers began to increase the size of their armies and navies. Point out Serbia and Austria 5

Growing nationalism and economic competition also caused tensions within countries and across European borders. Germany’s industrial advances threatened Britain. Germany feared that Russian industry was catching up to its own. Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman empire struggled to survive the threat of growing nationalism within their borders. Eastern Europe issues versus Western Europe issues 6

Nationalism sparked tensions all over Europe. France sought to regain Alsace and Lorraine, provinces that it had lost to Germany in the Franco-Prussian War. Several Balkan states fought wars, first against the Ottoman empire, then against one another. The Balkans were called the “powder keg of Europe.” Both nations passionate about this territory. Both believe it belongs to them!

Archduke Francis Ferdinand was heir to the Austrian throne. An assassination on June 28, 1914, lit the fuse that set off the Balkan powder keg. Archduke Francis Ferdinand was heir to the Austrian throne. While on a visit to the capital of Bosnia, he and his wife Sophie were shot to death by a Serbian nationalist. …set off chaos….set off war/ What did we call the Serbian nationalists? Russia supports Serbia because they are both “Slavs” “Russian descent” Ottomans were not happy with Serbs because if they become independent that means losing some of their land…What 2 nations should have been at war only? 8

After the assassination, Serbia and Austria quickly moved toward war. With the approval of the Kaiser William II of Germany, Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia. Serbia agreed to most of Austria’s demands, but not all of them. Germany promised unconditional support to Austria (Ultimatum: Serbia must end all anti-Austrian agitation and punish any Serbian official involved in the murder plot, and allow Austria to join in the investigation) Should have been a “summer war” as all others had been in the past century. On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia.

Serbia sought help from its ally Russia, which began to mobilize. The war between Austria and Serbia soon drew the great powers into the conflict. Serbia sought help from its ally Russia, which began to mobilize. Germany declared war on Russia. What 2 reasons supported these nations quick decisions to engage in war? (Militarism and Supporting allies) &Nationalism Although Germany warned France to stay out of the conflict, France supported Russia. 10

Germany declared war on France. Days later, Germany marched through Belgium and headed south to attack France. Britain, which had pledged to defend Belgium’s neutrality, declared war on Germany on August 4. 11

At the onset, the war brought a renewed sense of patriotism. Patriotic fever helped governments divert attention from labor disputes or nationalist disturbances within their borders. Young men rushed to enlist in what seemed like an exciting adventure. But this sense of optimism would not last long. 12