The Causes of WWI US History II
1) Nationalism Uniting through culture, language, etc. Forming a national Identity Goals of the country take precedence over individual goals
Bosnia & Serbia The Balkans “the powder keg of Europe” Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia Serbia is upset because of the Serbs living in Bosnia Ethnic tension / pride
2) Imperialism European nations looking to expand through colonies Natural resources
3) Militarism All European nations except Great Britain have peacetime military conscription Large military buildup Russia alone had 8 million soldiers
4) Mutual Defense Agreements Triple Alliance – Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire Triple Entente – Allies: Russia, France, Great Britain
Assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand Heir to throne of Austria-Hungry Killed by Serbian Nationalist Gavrilo Princap The Black Hand: Terrorist Organization Austria gives Belgrade ultimatum declaration of war (Effect?) Germany supports Austria-Hungry Russia supports Serbia Germany declares war on Russia Once war is declared all alliances follow – World War I begins!