WWI Begins

Causes of WWI Americans want to keep neutrality 4 Long term causes of WWI Nationalism Devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation Created rivalries (Fear of growing Germany) Nation’s ruled by others want to become independent Imperialism Political an economic control over other places Race for control over the colonies that supplied materials Militarism Expenses to build and defend your empire Development of armed forces for diplomatic reasons Germany has largest military, Britain has largest navy Alliance System Allied Powers -> Russia, Britain, France Central Powers -> Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Assassination European’s want access to land area in the Balkan Peninsula (near Med. Sea) Archduke Franz Ferdinand Visits Bosnian capitol of Saravejo Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, shoots him Member of the Black Hand Austria –Hungary declares war on Serbia Alliance system drags the rest into the war