WORLD WAR I 11.1 Notes

M.A.I.N. Causes of the War Militarism “Policy of aggressively building up one’s army in preparation for war” Early 1900’s – diplomacy replaced by militarism Building up armed forces Shift in authority to military Endless planning for war = war more likely

Alliances “Complicated system of pacts developed among European nations during late 1800s” Bound Great Euro powers together Aid each other if attacked Designed to boost national security Provided sense of balanced power

Pre-Existing Alliances Triple Alliance Austria-Hungary Germany Italy Triple Entente United Kingdom France Russia

Imperialism “Policy of a stronger nation to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, culturally or militarily” Great scramble for colonies – late 1800s Competition for remaining un-colonized areas – Russia & China Intensified rivalries within Europe

Nationalism “Devotion to one’s nation” Two kinds of nationalism Tendency for countries to act in their own national interest. War could result if actions were taken against another country Countries w/ diverse populations Ethnic minorities begin to desire independence which often leads to violence

Alsace-Lorraine France seething over loss of territory Germany acquired it after Franco-Prussian War, 1871 Otto Von Bismarck opposed it b/c knew it would provoke hatred toward Germany

Assassination Leads to War Leading Euro powers interested in Balkan Peninsula Russia – access to Mediterranean Sea Germany – rail link to Ottoman Empire Ethnic rivalry in Balkans Area known as the “powder keg” Austria- Hungary controlled Bosnia

Archduke Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo, Bosnia Heir to Austria-Hungary throne Royal entourage drove through city Gavrilo Princip shot Ferdinand and wife Sophie - Member of Black Hand - Serbian nationalist group Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia - Supposed to be short - Sets off system of alliances