“The war to end all wars” The Causes of WWI “The war to end all wars”
1914 Now
One Slide explanation Militarism Imperialism Nationalism Alliances Bad family reunion History of bad blood
Background 1870-1871 – Franco-Prussian War Prussia (part of present day Germany) picks a fight with France for land Otto Van Bismarck, Chancellor of Germany, wants to expand Germany. Pan-German movement – unite all German-speaking peoples under one flag “Blut and Ihre” (blood and iron) will make Germany strong!
Imperialism U.S. aint the only country grabbing land All European powers have lands in Africa England: Africa, India, Aussie France: Africa, Indochina Germany: Africa, SE Asia Economy Military Empire Status
Militarism Militarism: building up the armed forces (armies and navies) in preparation for war Alliances Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy Triple Entente: France, England, Russia
Nationalism Balance of Power: If all countries are equal strength, then no war My country can kick the crud out of your country Bosnia is allied with Austria-Hungary Serbia is allied with Russia If something were to happen to Bosnia, and it was caused by Serbia…hmmm
One dead guy starts a war? Archduke Franz Ferdinand – Heir to throne of Austria-Hungary Assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian Nationalist, in Sarajevo, Bosnia A-H uses this as an excuse to blame Serbia A-H declares war against Serbia Russia sides with Serbia Alliances kick in
War begins Allied Powers: England, France, Russia VS. Central Powers: Germany, A-H, Ottoman Empire (Turkey) and Bulgaria Live on Pay-Per-View at Caesar's Palace!! BE THERE!!!!