Causes of World War I = “M.A.N.I.A.” The Great War Causes of World War I = “M.A.N.I.A.”

Late 19th Century Europe

Militarism Aggressive attitude led to European arms race Britain a had large, powerful navy to protect its colonies Germany began to build a large navy to compete with Britain Military spending increased by 300% in Europe! Conscription (draft) adopted by all European powers Belief that an army was necessary to maintain power Created strategies for quick mobilization

Alliances Alliances were formed for protection, but led to aggression Germany Wanted to isolate France Led by Otto von Bismarck Dual Alliance (1879) – Germany and Austria-Hungary Triple Alliance (1882) – Italy joins Dual Alliance German Treaty with Russia (Russia and Austria-Hungary are rivals) Wilhelm II (1888) Becomes Kaiser and forces Bismarck out Let Russian treaty lapse

Alliances After the Treaty lapsed, Russia and France were now alone in Europe against an alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy So in 1894, they formed the Dual Entente Britain had tried to keep out of European affairs But with Russia and France forming an alliance, Britain saw a need to set aside differences with them and forms an alliance called the Triple Entente After some territorial disputes, Italy deserted Germany and backed France From this point on, Germany claims Austria is its one true ally

Alliances Prior to World War I Triple Alliance Triple Entente Germany Great Britain Austria-Hungary France Italy (will later switch sides!) Russia

Nationalism Both a unifying and dividing force Territorial disputes Had led to Germany’s unification as well as Italy’s Will cause the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary Territorial disputes Alsace-Lorraine (Germany and France) The Balkans (Russian and Austria-Hungary) = “The Powder Keg of Europe” Many different ethnic groups in one place = variety of nationalism Turkey, Russia, and Austria-Hungary all had interests there These combined meant that ONE thing could spark a war!

Alsace-Lorraine (Germany and France)

Decline of the Ottoman Empire New Nations Emerge Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia gain independence Serbian Independence Large Slavic population Wanted to add Slavic land in the Balkan peninsula Russia supports Serbian Nationalism due to common Orthodox religion Austria-Hungary fears rebellion of Slavic population Both seek power after collapse of the Ottomans Austria annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908

Imperialism Competition for colonies in Africa and Asia to strengthen the political and economic power of the mother country This created an atmosphere of rivalry and mistrust

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – June 28, 1914 Heir to Austrian throne Killed by a Serbian nationalist

Assassination

Crisis in the Balkans

The Final Steps towards War After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand: Germany supports Austria against Serbia Austria presents ultimatum to Serbia End all anti-Austrian activity (propaganda, etc.) Austrian officials should be allowed into Serbia to investigate assassinations Ultimatum not accepted Austria declares war on Serbia Russia mobilizes troops to Austrian border

Chain Reaction The machinery of war was in motion Russia also mobilizes troops to German border Germany declares war on Russia and France Schlieffen Plan = Germany’s plan to fight France in the west first then return to fight Russia in the east Depended on marching through Belgium Belgians refused to allow Germans through Germany invades Belgium Britain declares war on Germany due to their close ties with Belgium

Schlieffen Plan

Sides at the start of the War Central Powers Allies Germany Great Britain Austria-Hungary France Bulgaria Russia Ottoman Empire Japan Italy