World War I 1914-1918

Long-Term Causes of the War Imperialism led to international rivalries between European countries Militarism was pursued as a solution for diplomatic problems (arms race) The Alliance System that was designed to prevent war only widened the conflict once it began

Nationalism in large countries (France,Germany) led those nations to promote their interests over all others Nationalism within empires (Austria-Hungary) meant people desired independence

The War Begins Serbian nationalists assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand when he visited Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1914 Germany now gave its ally Austria-Hungary a “blank check” to deal with Serbia A-H then declared war on Serbia, beginning World War I

Russia and France, Serbia’s allies, began to mobilize for war When Germany ordered them to stop, both refused Germany then declared war on Russia and France Most countries and colonies were now bound to support one side (Allies) or the other (Central Powers)

Germany now faced the dangerous prospect of a two-front war To avoid this, Germany devised the Schlieffen Plan that involved attacking France through neutral Belgium Germany could then turn its attention to its larger enemy in the east: Russia

Britain declared war on Germany when Germany attacked neutral Belgium The Schlieffen Plan failed when the Germans were stopped before they reached Paris Both sides then dug a defensive trench system that moved little between 1914 and 1918 Modern weapons contributed to massive casualties on both sides

World War I German U-Boat, or Submarine

German U-Boat Sinking an Allied Merchant Ship

Poison Gas Attack

Soldiers blinded by poison gas

The Tank

Vickers Machine Gun