World War 1: Overview First total war in history (soldiers & civilians) In August 1914 it involved only 7 European countries but by November 1918 there were over 30 countries fighting Battles were fought in Europe, Asia, Africa, & on/under the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans Resulted in revolutions, changes of govts., loss of empires, the rise of great new powers, & millions of dead

World War I: Causes While the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the immediate cause of the war, there were four underlying causes of WWI. They are: a). Militarism b). Alliances c). Imperialism d). Nationalism

Militarism The belief in the power of strong armies or navies to decide issues. It was thought that the only way to guarantee peace was to prepare for war. Based on the idea that if a nation is strong, then no enemy would dare to attack it. If war does break out, the militarized nation is able to defend itself.

Militarism Militarism led to an arms race before 1914 as each country tried to build a larger & more deadly war machine than its rivals. The size of armies & navies would determine who was more powerful. Germany contained Europe’s strongest armies while Great Britain was the world’s strongest naval power. Gr. Britain felt threatened when Germany began to construct a large navy. European nations were becoming increasingly suspicious & alarmed by the others’ military power.

Products of Militarism

Alliances Alliances are formed when countries band together against a common threat. In 1914 there were two alliances: 1.The Triple Alliance (“The Central Powers”) consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, (Italy) and Ottoman Empire 2. The Triple Entente (“The Allies”) consisting of Great Britain, France, and Russia

European Alliances 1914

Imperialism Imperialism is the policy of establishing colonies away from the homeland & building an empire WHY?- Colonies provided natural resources, places to sell goods, & military strength for many European countries. Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany, the United States all wanted to build a colonial empire. Imperialism led to frequent quarrels among the great powers of Europe in all parts of the globe. Arguments over colonies & trade constantly threatened peace.

Imperialism in Asia

Nationalism Nationalism is a feeling of deep loyalty to one’s people & homeland Extreme nationalism was causing problems in the early 20th century. Some people seemed willing to take any action to support their nation, regardless of the effect on others They were even ready to go to war to promote the interests of their homelands 1914-1918

Nationalism Nationalism was very strong in Serbia where people resented living under Austrian control. The Black Hand was a Serbian-Bosnian terrorists group that thought Bosnia should break away from Austria Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed by a Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip, who belonged to the Black Hand, while visiting Sarajevo.

Ultimatum......July 1914 The Austro-Hungarian (A-H) govt blamed Serbia for the archduke’s death & attempted to crush Serb nationalism With the support of Germany, A-H sent the Serbian govt an ultimatum (A ultimatum is a demand by one govt that another govt accept its terms or face war) to Serbia a). put down all Serb nationalism against A-H b). Punish those involved in the assassination c). Allow A-H into Serbia to help destroy the Black Hand Serbia accepted all except the last request

Outbreak Austria declared war on Serbia when Serbia rejected the Austrian ultimatum. Russia, Serbia’s ally, along with France, mobilized their armies. Germany declared war on both Russia & France when both countries refused to demobilize. Germany planned to attack France through neutral Belgium Britain declared war on Germany when Belgium was invaded

Causes of WWI Review Name the two alliances that existed in Europe in 1914? What countries belonged to these alliances? What is nationalism? What role did it play in the outbreak of war? What was the Black Hand? What role did it play in the assassination of Franz Ferdinand? How did imperialism cause problems between nations in the years leading to outbreak of war in 1914. What is militarism?