World War I Causes of World War I

Causes of World War I Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism

Imperialism European powers competed for colonies in Africa and Asia Competition for colonies lead to conflict

Militarism European countries needed strong armies and navies to defend their empires Arms race  European countries competed with one another to see which one could have the best army and navy

Alliances European powers decided to protect themselves by forming alliances (nations signed treaties pledging to defend each other) Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire) Allies (France, Britain, and Russia)

Nationalism Two meanings Love of one’s country Desire for a homeland (country for people of the same ethnic background – Ireland for the Irish)

Nationalism Pan Salvism All Slavic peoples shared a common nationality. Russia (largest Slavic country) had an obligation to lead all Slavs Serbia (Slavic nation) in Eastern Europe, it used to be part of the Ottoman Empire. Crisis in the Balkans

Crisis in the Balkans Austria-Hungary was a very diverse empire (many ethnic groups resided in Austria-Hungary) Serbia wanted to create a South Slav State  Serbs living in Austria-Hungary should be part of this South Slav State

Balkans

Austria-Hungary

The Spark – Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand (Austria-Hungary) – June 28, 1914 Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were visiting Sarajevo (capital of Bosnia  home to many Serbs), which was part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand (terrorist group whose goal was to create a South Slav State), assassinated Archduke Ferdinand and his wife

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia – July 28, 1914 Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary sent Serbia an ultimatum Serbia would not allow Austria-Hungarian officials to investigate the assassination  Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia Germany supported Austria-Hungary

Declarations of War July 30, 1914 – Russia mobilizes (prepares) for war in support Serbia August 1, 1914 – Germany declares war on Russia August 3, 1914 – Germany declares war on France Germany asks France to stay out because it does not want to fight a      two     front war France says no Germany declares war on France

Declaration of War August 4, 1914 – Germany invades Belgium (neutral nation) to get to France August 4, 1914 – Great Britain declares war on Germany August 12, 1914- Great Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary

Europe in 1914