The Road To War Part 2

Causes of World War 1 Nationalism Pride in one’s country Citizens were prepared to do anything for their nation – even go to war In the 1700’s people began to talk about nations as groups of people that were more important than just their king. Nationalism in WW1 was the belief in the greatness of one’s own nation- closely connected with language

Can you think of how this fits with Canadian History?

Causes of World War 1 Imperialism (Clash of Empires) The Act of empire building Britain, France, Spain and Portugal have many colonies = big Empires Germany wants an empire too (remember Wilhelm’s speech)

Imperialism Colonies are useful for several reasons including: A source of raw materials and a market for industrial products; Locations for military bases. This remains important today. The ability to project power differentiates regional powers from truly global powers. Colonies can help to relieve population pressure in the mother country. They provide personnel for military campaigns.

African Imperialism In 1901 Kaiser Wilhelm told the German people that by entering the race for colonies, “we have conquered for ourselves a place in the sun”. Germany was a late entrant in the race, having only unified as a nation around 1870. Most of the ‘good’ colonies were already taken. Germany did manage to stake claim to land in Africa and Polynesia. This race brought the militaries of Germany and Britain into direct contact.

The July Crisis The War Begins

The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued…… Black Hand – Serbian Nationalist Terrorist group. Resent being a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Serbia historically closer to Russia not Austria-Hungary Kill the A-H heir We know this….how do we get a world war…Militarism, Alliances….

The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued…… Summer 1914 Alliances kick in July 29 Russia mobilizes July 28 Austria invades Serbia July 25 Serbia replies, rejecting them July 23 Austria sends ultimatum (list of demands) to Serbia June 28 Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated at Sarajevo

The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued…… Canada and the British Empire are at war- more on this later Summer 1914 - continued Germany invades Belgium as a way to get to France Britain declares war on Germany – protecting Belgium August 4 - 5 August 3 France mobilizes forces to assist Russia - Germany declares war on France July 29 - Russia mobilizes army along borders with Austria and Germany - Germany declares war on Russia

German Advancement The Schlieffen Plan http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/animations/western_front/index_embed.shtml Designed to prevent a war on two fronts Take France in 6 weeks, by surprise by going through Belgium Once France falls, move troops east to fight Russia

Failure of the Schlieffen Plan Britain objected when Germany invaded Belgium This was their reason to go to war German troops encountered both French troops moving out of Paris and British from the Channel ports Belgium had a treaty with Britain, France and Germany guaranteeing its neutrality German Generals altered the plan causing German troops to turn south towards Paris earlier than originally planned