Section 1: The Great War Begins Chapter 11: World War I Section 1: The Great War Begins

I. What two large alliances took shape before WWI started? By 1914, Europe had enjoyed almost a century of relative peace. Despite that, tensions in Europe were very high. Much distrust between European nations. Nations signed alliances to defend each other.

The Alliances: The Triple Alliance (a.k.a. The Central Powers) Germany Austria-Hungary Italy The Triple Entente (a.k.a. The Allies) France Russia Britain Germany knew France wanted revenge for Alsace and Lorraine; Ottoman Empire also joined. Japan and USA would later join also.

II. How did international competition and rivalries increase tensions in Europe? A. Competition: Britain and Germany felt threatened by each other. (Military and industry) France and Germany competed over Morocco and other colonies. Rise of militarism (glorification of war and military)

II. How did international competition and rivalries increase tensions in Europe? B. Nationalism: France wanted back Alsace and Lorraine. Russia’s support of Pan-Slavism: all Slavic people share a common nationality. Slavic nations in the Balkans were under the control of Austria and the Ottoman Empire. Serbia wanted independence from Austria to create a great Slavic nation. The Balkans: “The Powder Keg of Europe”

The War Begins June 28, 1914: Archduke of Austria Franz Ferdinand is visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. While riding in a parade, he and his wife, Sophie, are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip- a Serbian nationalist and member of The Black Hand (“Unity or Death”). Immediately, Austria gives Serbia an ultimatum: punish the responsible party, or this means war.

The War Begins Germany offers Austria a “blank check” to help. Serbia refuses the ultimatum, and Austria declares war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia mobilizes its troops, just in case (though Nicholas was warned not to!) Germany declares war on Russia on August 1. Russia appeals to France for help, and Germany declares war on France August 2.

The Chain Reaction continues… Now Germany is involved in a two front war! Schlieffen Plan: Germany would attack France first, thinking Russia would be slow to arrive. Then once they defeated France, Germany would turn around to fight Russia, thus fighting one enemy at a time. Germany would have to march through neutral Belgium to ensure a quick victory in France. BIG FAILURE

The Chain Reaction continues… August 3: Germany marches through Belgium. Britain is sworn to protect Belgium’s neutrality, and declares war on Germany on August 4.