The Great War - The War to End All Wars M.A.I.N. Causes World War 1 The Great War - The War to End All Wars M.A.I.N. Causes

CAUSE: Militarism/Naval Build-up Militarism – the aggressive build up of military forces often to intimidate and threaten other nations. “ARMS RACE” Example – Germany tried to build bigger and better warships than Britain. “Dreadnought” Battleships Submarines

Cause: System of Alliances A military alliance is an formal treaty agreement made between two or more countries with the main purpose of military matters. These alliances either promise mutual defense, mutual support or both.

Cause: System of Alliances Triple Alliance. Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Germany and Austria-Hungary have a mutual aid treaty that states if one goes to war the other will help.

Germany Strongest Military Power in Europe very militaristic “Germany was hatched from a cannonball” Traditional enemy of France. Led by Kaiser Wilhelm II

Austria-Hungary Large Empire – Austria and Hungary united through marriage. Similar culture and language as Germany.

Italy Mutual DEFENCE treaty Allied them with Germany and Austria-Hungary to protect against invasion if the French were to attack Ger. and A-H through Italy. Self-defense – no other reason to ally with Ger or A-H.

Triple Entente “On- Taunt” Russia Britain France An alliance formed to limit Germany’s power and expansion around the world. Geography is important in this alliance…

Confused?

Cause: Imperialism/Colonialism Imperialism: the economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker nations. “New Imperialism” discussed in last unit. Same reasons leading to Imperialist “search for new markets” as during the Spanish- American War era.

Cause: Nationalism National Identity became important. Nationalism – Feeling of intense pride in one’s homeland (Nation) National Identity became important. Many cultures and countries in Europe consider themselves superior to others. Often show this by waging wars in colonies.

Cause: Nationalism Continued Self-Determination – The idea that people belonging to a nation or region should have their own country and government. – to determine their own future. A part of Nationalism.

The “spark” Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne assassinated by a Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand. What did the Black Hand want?

Austria-Hungary issues an ultimatum Austria-Hungary demands an apology. Serbia declines. A-H declares war on Serbia. Serbia calls on it’s treaty with Russia. Russia declares war on A-H to defend Serbia.

Confused?

Germany backs Austria-Hungary Germany honors it’s treaty with Austria- Hungary - declares war on Russia. Because Russia is attacked, France comes to it’s aid. Germany moves quickly to defeat France.

Britain joins in… Germany, trying to get to Paris as quickly as possible, invades NEUTRAL Belgium. Britain enters the war to defend Belgium and also to support France.

Japan feels left out…but not Italy. Japan also signed a military treaty with Britain and declares war on Germany. Italy, even though it was part of the Triple Alliance removes itself from the war. And later joins the Allies (Italy agreed only to come to the aid of Germany if it was defending itself.)

American Neutrality America remains neutral…but American business becomes involved. American banks become invested in Allied victory through loans. Manufacturers supplied Guns – food – clothing – helmets – equipment to the Allies. Goods shipped on merchant ships. Germany sinks m. ships with U-Boats. ex: Lusitania (1915)

Mexican Revolution Mexico ruled by Dictator until revolution created democracy there. U.S. supported democracy. BUT Then the New President of Mexico (Madero) was killed by General Victoriano Huerta who became a new dictator. America refused to recognize Huerta as Mexican leader.

Tampico and Veracruz American sailors arrested in Tampico MX. Tension with Mexico increases. German ship delivers guns to Mexico American Navy attacks Veracruz Tension increases with Mexico (and Germany)

Pancho Villa Mexican raiders under Pancho Villa attack American towns, like Columbus New Mexico American troops are sent to hunt him down. Tension with Mexico increases

Zimmerman Telegram German ambassador to Mexico sends a message to Mexico asking them to fight a war with the United States and become and ally of Germany. Promises Mexico land taken by U.S.

The U.S. stays out…until… Technically neutral in WWI until 1917 United States enters because it’s ships were being sunk by German U-boats and German threats of causing war with Mexico