WWI

Causes of WWI MAIN

1. Militarism Militarism means that the army and other military forces are given high priority by the government. This is done by building up the military and gathering arms. Germany, France and Russia built huge armies in the early 1900’s

Britain and Germany fought over who was the most powerful on the seas. Britain had an early advantage due to the Dreadnought.

Britain used a better and new battleship known as a Dreadnought which caused all the other battleships in the world to become obsolete.

2. Alliances - Alliance: an agreement made between two or more countries to give each other help if it is needed.

Following the Congress of Berlin Germany was unhappy with forced division of Balkans Germany responded by forming a secret alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, known as the Triple Alliance. They promised each other that if any of their countries would be invaded by another country, they would go to war with each other and help the other out.

3. Imperialism When a country takes over new lands or countries and makes them subject to their rule. By 1900 the British Empire extended over five continents France had control of large areas in Africa.

With the rise of industrialism, countries needed new markets With the rise of industrialism, countries needed new markets. The amount of lands 'owned' by Britain and France increased the rivalry with Germany who had entered the scramble to acquire colonies late and only had small areas in Africa.

4. Nationalism A feeling of intense loyalty to one’s own country/group Encouraged new nations to unify and establish power Also encouraged certain groups of people to break away from existing nations and create their own country (ethnic groups)

The Spark What was the ignition point for WWI? The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian archduke, Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie

Archduke Franz Ferdinand fact file Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Visited Sarajevo in 1914 in an attempt to improve relations between the monarchy and the Bosnian people

Tensions in the Balkans Russia & Austria-Hungary wanted to control the Balkans Austria-Hungary wanted to stamp out growing Slav nationalism Russia saw herself as protector of the Slavs Both wanted access to the Mediterranean Sea 1908: Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia

Reactions to the annexation Bosnians angry: wanted freedom from Austria-Hungary to form a strong Slav state with Serbia Serbians concerned about Austria-Hungary’s aggression

The Black Hand Society Fierce Slav nationalists: hated Austria and prepared to kill for freedom Goal: creation of a Greater Serbia Secret society with links to the Serbian government and army "...before God, on my honour and my life, that I will execute all missions and commands without question. I swear before God, on my honor and on my life, that I will take all the secrets of this organization into my grave with me."

28th June 1914 Saw opportunity to assassinate the future Emperor of Austria-Hungary

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. · example of Pan-German nationalism Russia pledged their support for Serbia. · example of Pan-Slavic nationalism

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand 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.

Allied Powers: Central Powers: Germany Great Britain World War I France Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Russia Italy

Triple Entente (Allies) Triple Alliance (Central Powers)

In order for Germany to start their plan, they first needed to invade Luxembourg. After they successfully invaded Luxembourg, they demanded that Belgium, a neutral country, allow Germany to march through its territory. Belgium said “NO.” Germany responded by invading it anyway.

Germany devised the Schlieffen Plan. Meant to end war quickly. Russia would start mobilizing her forces onto the German border, Germany would respond by quickly invading France. It was to be a series of surprise and swift attacks. The French wouldn’t be ready and suffer defeat and as a result, cause Britain to think twice about getting involved.

Belgium was invaded and Germany decimated it Belgium was invaded and Germany decimated it. Britain had an alliance with Belgium and insisted that Germany leave Belgium but Germany refused so Britain declared war on Germany.