US History: Spiconardi Causes of World War I US History: Spiconardi

Long Term Causes

Militarism Militarism  Build up of the military The nations of Europe were competing in an arms race and increased spending on their militaries HMS Dreadnought; this British battleship really got the arms race going

Alliances Alliances  Countries formed agreements for protection against one another

Imperialism Imperialism The European powers competed over obtaining raw materials and territorial possessions Each wanted to be the premier empire attain economic dominance

Nationalism Nationalism  extreme pride in one’s nation In the Balkans, certain states wanted independence Other European nations had extreme loyalty & devotion to their country Nationalism created mistrust and national rivalries

The Balkans 1914

The Long Term Causes of World War I ilitarism The Long Term Causes of World War I lliances mperialism ationalism

Short Term Causes

The Assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Read account) Balkans was referred to as the “Powder Keg” One event could spark a war

The Short Term Causes of World War I Austria-Hungary gives Serbia an ultimatum End propaganda against Austria-Hungary Suppress opposition movement Serbia mobilizes forces Germany backs Austria-Hungary Russia backs Serbia Germany declares war on Russia Germany then declares war on Russia’s ally France Germany invades Belgium to have easier access to France WORLD WAR I BEGINS The Short Term Causes of World War I