World War I Begins 6.1 Notes

4 Causes of World War I Nationalism – different ethnic groups shared political borders, yet desired a nation of their own. Imperialism – competition for colonies Militarism – imperial powers needed large militaries, particularly a great navy, to protect their vast empires. Alliance System – two opposing alliances Triple Entente – France, Great Britain, and Russia Central Powers – Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

Balkan Peninsula – Powder Keg

Balkan Peninsula – Powder Keg Many countries had an interest in this area. Russia wanted a warm water port Germany wanted connect itself with the Ottoman Empire Austria-Hungry has historically been a region with warring ethnic groups

Assassination of the Arch Duke Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian Nationalist The assassin was a teenager named Gavrilo Princip, a member of a secret society called “The Black Hand” Austria-Hungry declared war on Serbia Russia declared war on Austria-Hungry Germany declared war on Russia and its ally France Great Britain declared war on behalf of its ally France

Two Sides Allied Powers (Triple Entente) Later … Central Powers Russia Britain Later … France US Central Powers Austria-Hungry Germany Ottoman Empire Bulgaria

America Remained Neutral The US was a nation of immigrants America was split on who they should support. Anti-war people accused Great Britain and France of joining the war to take Germany’s natural resources. US supporters Allies were buying a large amount of manufactured goods from the US to pay for their war American culture was more similar to Great Britain than any other European country

Assignment Draw a political / editorial cartoon about the causes of WWI.