Why was Europe ready for War? Long-term Causes of the War Nationalism Militarism Devotion and loyalty to one’s nation Importance of the armed forces in the administration or strategy of a nation Austria-Hungary had Slavic minorities who wanted independence Serbia and Russia both tried to influence Slavs inside Austria-Hungary Germany became unified and was seeking greater status France had lost Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and wanted it back French and German armies were in arms race – more soldiers, stronger weapons Germany wanted a powerful navy, while England wanted to remain the dominant sea power Schlieffen Plan: German plan to invade France through Belgium to avoid a two-front war (i.e., vs. Russia and France) Facts Instability Bitterness Armies were ready to go to war at short notice Leaders viewed war as a reasonable strategy – didn’t look for diplomatic solutions Implications Why was Europe ready for War? Alliances Imperialism Agreements among nations to support each other When one country takes over and rules other countries Facts Some countries promised to go to war to defend allied countries England and France had many overseas empires near each other England wanted to keep France and Russia happy to protect her colonies Germany was a late-comer with only small African colonies and wanted a larger share Events in one country could lead several others to go to war Potential for tensions in colonies to lead to European wars England wanted to keep France & Russia happy to protect her colonies Bitterness: Germany discontented with its position Implications Short-Term Cause: Franz Ferdinand of Austria assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914; Austria blamed Serbia and declared war

Why was Europe ready for War? Long-term Causes of the War Nationalism Militarism Definitions Facts Implications

Why was Europe ready for War? Long-term Causes of the War Alliances Imperialism Definitions Facts Implications Short-Term Cause: