The Causes of World War I 1914-1918

Europe Before World War I

Causes of World War I Militarism Alliances Nationalism Imperialism Assassination

1. Militarism Nations were building powerful armed forces—militarism. By 1890, the strongest army was in Germany. They were competing against the British who were known for their strong navy.

2. Alliances By 1914, Europe had 2 major alliances: A. The Triple Entente- later known as the Allies B. The Central Powers

The Allies Consisted of France Great Britain Russia **Italy joined in 1915 **Russia had a separate agreement with Serbia **The U.S. joins this side in 1917

The Central Powers Consisted of: Germany Austria-Hungary The Ottoman Empire

3. Nationalism Nationalism-is fierce/ extreme loyalty to a nation. In the early 1900s nationalism was strong in Germany & France. Germany was proud of their industrialization & militarization—while France was a bit jealous. They were also jealous because they lost some land to the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War. 3. Nationalism

While in Eastern Europe                                                                             While in Eastern Europe Russia supported something called Pan-Slavism—where all Slavic people share an identity—among these people were the Serbians. Serbia is located on the Balkan Peninsula

4. Imperialism European countries were competing for colonies around the globe—this is called imperialism. Germany was trying to keep up with France & Great Britain.

Serbia Serbia was an independent country but lots lived under Austria-Hungary’s rule—Russia’s competition. Other groups were also oppressed.

Imperialism in Asia

Imperialism in Africa

5. Assassination On 6/28/1914, the heir to Austria-Hungary’s throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, visited Sarajevo, Bosnia. The neighboring Serbs were mad because it was a symbolic date in their history. A Serbian terrorist named Gavrilo Princip shot & killed the archduke & his wife.

What was his motive? He was part of a terrorist group called the Black Hand. Serbia was free BUT Bosnia—home of many Serbs--was controlled by Austria-Hungary whom they hated.

Alliances come into play… A-H blames Serbia for the murder. They demand all violence toward their country to stop. Serbia agreed to some of it but not all. Austria-Hungary declares war & on 7/28/1914--WWI officially begins.

I’ve got your back… Austria-Hungary was backed by Germany. Serbia was backed by Russia who’s allies were France and Great Britain. It was ALL OUT WAR!                                      

Propaganda was used by both sides. What was supposed to be a “summer war” turned out to be the biggest war that the world had ever seen up until that point! Propaganda was used by both sides. SOOOOO…whose fault was it? YOU DECIDE!