World War I “The Great War” --the war to end all wars-- 1914-1918 Causes of the War Level 2

Essential Question What were the causes of World War I

Four Main Causes of WW I Nationalism – Strong feelings people have for their own country “Extreme Pride for your own country” Europe was a small place with many Developed & Competing Countries

2) Imperialism – The struggle or competition for colonies around the world

What is the message?

3) International Rivalries The nations of Europe wanted to weaken their rivals and strengthen alliances. Build large Armies for Defense & Strength This leads to a great “Arms Race” Example 1) Germany’s new navy challenged Britain's long standing naval supremacy 2) Germany’s disciplined army scared its neighbors France & Russia

The Dreadnought Battleship -the most powerful war machine on earth Britain Started building & Germany quickly followed Started the “Arms Race”

Militarism & Arms Race Total Defense Expenditures for the Great Powers [Germany, Austro-Hungary, Italy, France, Britain, Russia] in millions 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1914 $94 $130 $154 $268 $289 $398 1910-1914 Increase in Defense Expenditures France 10% Britain 13% Russia 39% Germany 73%

4) System of Alliances Attempt by each country to gain security through alliances (Metternich System) Tried to find – “Balance of Power” Many Alliances were done in secrecy “entangling alliances” Two Main Alliances Triple Entente – Great Britain, France, Russia (Allies) Central Powers – Germany, Austro-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

The Major Players: 1914-17 Allied Powers: Central Powers: Nicholas II [Rus] Wilhelm II [Ger] George V [Br] Franz Josef [A-H] Enver Pasha [O.E/Turkey] Pres. Poincare [Fr] Victor Emmanuel II [It]

Pan-Slavism: The Balkans, 1914 The “Powder Keg” of Europe Russia Austro-Hungary Ottomans All wanted control of the Balkans

The “Spark” That Starts the Great War

Archduke Franz Ferdinand & His Family – Heir to throne in Austro-Hungary

The Assassination in Sarajevo

The Assassin: Gavrilo Princip Serbian Nationalist Wanted to free the Slavic people in Austro-Hungary -Liberate the Balkans

Who’s To Blame?

Domino Effect Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. Russia pledged their support for Serbia.

Domino Effect Germany declares war on Russia. France pledges their support for Russia. Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to France. Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany.