Eraly World History May 2010 Causes of WWI

Learning Objectives & Activities Brainstorm and discuss possible reasons for the start of WWI Brainstorm and discuss possible reasons for the start of WWI Learn historical facts about the relations among the countries involved in WWI Learn historical facts about the relations among the countries involved in WWI Learn about the geopolitical changes in Europe before the onset of WWI Learn about the geopolitical changes in Europe before the onset of WWI Learn details about the Triple Alliance and the Dual Entente Learn details about the Triple Alliance and the Dual Entente

Recall Time How many types of imperialism do you remember? How many types of imperialism do you remember? Why do countries become interested in building an empire? Why do countries become interested in building an empire? What are some of the benefits and disadvantages of being an empire? What are some of the benefits and disadvantages of being an empire? How many empires can you cite that fit with your recollection? How many empires can you cite that fit with your recollection?

Imperialism & Empires Imperialism Advantages Disadvantages Economic Markets Enemies Economic Markets Enemies Military Respect Envy Military Respect Envy Territorial Influence Cost Territorial Influence Cost Cultural Economy Vulnerability Cultural Economy Vulnerability Empires: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, Aztec, Inca,

Europe in 1900: a look back into history In 1871 Germany becomes unified Kaiser William I rules Germany In 1880 Russia and signed “Reinsurance Treaties” to protect each other 1888 Kaiser William I dies-his successor Frederick dies within 3 months Kaiser William II ascends to power German Emperor William I German Emperor Frederick III

German Emperor William II Wilhelm II of Prussia and Germany, Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht von Hohenzollern (January 27, June 4, 1941) was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and the last King (König) of Prussia from Wilhelm II of Prussia and Germany, Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht von Hohenzollern (January 27, June 4, 1941) was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and the last King (König) of Prussia from

William II & Russia William II disliked terms and conditions of treaty with Russia William II disliked terms and conditions of treaty with Russia Wanted to build a German Navy Wanted to build a German Navy Disagreed with Prime Minister of Prussia Otto Von Bismarck; Bismarck resigns in 1890 Disagreed with Prime Minister of Prussia Otto Von Bismarck; Bismarck resigns in 1890 William II did not renew ‘Reinsurance Treaty” in 1890 William II did not renew ‘Reinsurance Treaty” in 1890 Otto Von Bismarck Emperor William II

So, what’s Russia to do? Procure a partnership with another country Procure a partnership with another country Question for YOU!! Which country/countries would Russia consider as a potential partner? Why?

New Russian Partner

But, why France? France had been lending money to Russia since 1888-Remember Catherine I France had been lending money to Russia since 1888-Remember Catherine I France had been isolated in Europe France had been isolated in Europe France feared an attack and needed partners to feel protected France feared an attack and needed partners to feel protected Russia and France signed a treaty called the “Dual Entente” (Published in 1895) Russia and France signed a treaty called the “Dual Entente” (Published in 1895)

The Dual Entente Provisions of the treaty: Provisions of the treaty: France supports Russia if Russian is attacked by Germany France supports Russia if Russian is attacked by Germany Russia supports France if attacked by Germany Russia supports France if attacked by Germany If any member of the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) mobilized, Russia and France would mobilize If any member of the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) mobilized, Russia and France would mobilize

What about Germany? Would there be any consequences for Germany? In pairs: Work with a partner and write a list of possible consequences for Germany, after Russia and France signed their treaty, the Dual Entente.

Some consequences for Germany France was no longer isolated in Europe France was no longer isolated in Europe Germany now faced two threats on two fronts! Germany now faced two threats on two fronts!

European Realignment

Recap Germany decided to not to sign any treaty with Russia and wanted to build up their navy. > Russia and France became Allies after Kaiser William II made no attempt to stay on friendly terms. > By 1895 Europe had two hostile alliances facing each other: Germany decided to not to sign any treaty with Russia and wanted to build up their navy. > Russia and France became Allies after Kaiser William II made no attempt to stay on friendly terms. > By 1895 Europe had two hostile alliances facing each other: The Triple Alliance and The Dual Entente. The Triple Alliance and The Dual Entente. Why and when does the Tripe Alliance become the Central Powers? Why and when does the Tripe Alliance become the Central Powers?

Homework Assignment Find this presentation on Teacherweb and follow this link: Find this presentation on Teacherweb and follow this link: ne/origins_01.shtml#two ne/origins_01.shtml#two ne/origins_01.shtml#two ne/origins_01.shtml#two Read sections “Early signs in Europe” & “German Strategies” Read sections “Early signs in Europe” & “German Strategies” Extract information on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Germany’s intentions. Write a summary and bring to class tomorrow. Extract information on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Germany’s intentions. Write a summary and bring to class tomorrow.

“The War to End All Wars” Thank You