Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Significant individuals The Causes of WW1 Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Significant individuals

Militarism 1. 1890’s arms race begins Germany was competing with the UK to build battleships. The British feared an attack on their Empire Countries began to mobilize in order to protect land in case of war

Militarism 2. Germany was competing with Russia and France to expand their armies 1880 1914 Germany 1.3m 5.0m France 0.73m 4.0m Russia 0.40m 1.2m

Alliances 1. Countries in Europe began to take sides First group Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy and separate treaty with Russia New leader in Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II wants to show power and ends treaty with Russia

Alliances 2. A new alliance is formed with Russia, France, Great Britain = Triple Entente (Allies) The alliances made it more likely that a war would start. Two groups against one another Once the war started, the alliances made it more likely to spread. By 1914 all the major powers were linked by a system of alliances. 1915 Italy joins the Allies (triple Entente), Bulgaria & Ottoman Empire joins the Central Powers (Triple Alliance)

Imperialism All the great powers were competing for colonies / territory. Wanted materials to improve economy Creates territorial disputes The British feared Germany in Africa. Germany almost went to war with France The Austrians feared Serbia / Russia in the Balkans

Nationalism Countries created a deep devotion to their nation This was an age when all nations wanted to assert their power and independence. The area called the Balkans was once controlled by the Ottoman Empire now wants their independence. In Europe Slavs, aided by Serbia and Russia, wanted to be free of Austrian rule. This is a very unstable region Serbia’s national flag

Significant Individuals 1. Kaiser Wilhelm II Built up German army and navy Aggressive foreign policy Determined to make Germany a top nation. Distrusted by other powers “Germany must have its place in the sun” “The world belongs to the strong.”

Significant Individuals 2 Count Berchtold Austrian Prime Minister. During the July Crisis, gives a very tough ultimatum for Serbia “Were the Serbs to agree to all the demands, this would not be to my liking”

Significant Individuals 3 June 28, 1914 Heir to Austrian throne Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo. Capital of Bosnia, recently taken by Austria. Hotbed of Slav nationalism Seal of the Black Hand group

The Crisis 1. “Black Hand” terrorists attack the Arch Duke Bomb attempt fails in the morning. Gavrilo Princip shoots Archduke and wife in the afternoon. Austrians blame Serbia for supporting terrorists and gives Serbia a harsh list of demands in order not to declare war

The Crisis 2. Austrians are supported by Germany Serbia agrees to all but two terms of the ultimatum and tries to negotiate. Austria says this is not enough and wages war on July 28th 1914 Russia mobilizes her troops to support Serbia Germany demands that Russia stands her armies down near their boarders. Germany declares war on Russia “Demands must be put to Serbia that would be wholly impossible for them to accept …”

Why did Britain get involved? Britain had Ententes with France and Russia and is also friends with Belgium. Only “friendly agreements” but French and Russians are given the impression Britain would fight. Germany plans to attack France and the West first known as the Schlieffen Plan Sir Edward Grey British Foreign Secretary … “There’s some devilry going on in Berlin”

The Schlieffen Plan Germany’s military plan to defeat France and Russia. “Knock out blow” aimed at the Western Front first. Avoid French defences by invading Belgium. Belgium is neutral but Germany marches through. Germans thought Britain would not intervene.

Britain’s Reaction 1838- UK had signed a Treaty to protect Belgium. Britain also scared of Germany controlling Channel ports. Did not want Germany to defeat France and dominate Europe. UK issued ultimatum to Germany to withdraw troops from Belgium. War declared August 4, 1914

German’s Plan Fails Germany was winning and about to take Paris When France received important information to stop Germany at the Marne River and push them back. The quick war is over for Germany, they send forces to Russia. Germany must fight a 2 Front war.

Eastern Front Russia was the weaker European country because it was not industrialized Russia was separated from the rest of the allies. Blocked by Germany Shortages of goods, guns, ammunition, clothes & blankets. 1915 already 2 million had died 1918 Russian Revolution starts Russia pulls out of WWI They create a separate treaty with Germany = Brest-Litovsk