Causes of World War I Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism (MAIN)

Europeans had tried to keep the balance of power established by the Congress of Vienna after the defeat of Napoleon. However, a minor incident in the Balkans led to a tragic conflagration.

Triple Entente: Britain France Russia Triple Alliance: Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Alliances before the start of World War I

The “spark that ignited the powder keg” was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. This event on June 28, 1914 triggered the alliance system.

Also, note that Italy switched sides when the war began. Alliances during World War I Allies: Britain France Russia Central Powers: Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire But Russia will exit the war in 1917 due to a Bolshevik Revolution and Lenin’s promise of “Bread, Peace, and Land” and the United States will enter the war in 1917 to make the world safe for democracy on the side The Allies. Also, note that Italy switched sides when the war began.

Four Miserable Years (1914-1918) Mocking the ideals of the Enlightenment

The Western Front Stalemate and Trench Warfare

The Eastern Front Ill-prepared Russians losing battle after battle Russia is not fully industrialized at this time

The War Ends But Without a Lasting Peace The Treaty of Versailles paves the way to a Second World War -Germany is blamed for the war (War Guilt Clause) - Germany loses its colonies - Germany is forced to pay reparations

When Depression Hits (1929)

Fascism -Extreme Nationalism -Anti-Individual -Supremacy of State over Individual -Anti-Liberal -Anti-Feminist -Anti-Democratic -Anti-Communist

Another War, Another Tragedy, the End of Europe’s Illusion of Superiority A Moral Collapse