World War I

Causes of WWI – MANIA M ilitarism - policy of building up a strong military to prepare for war A lliances – agreements between nations to provide aid and protect on another A ssassination – of Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand I mperialism – when one country takes over another country economically and politically. N ationalism – extreme pride in one’s country

MILITARISM -Growing arms race and glorification of military power - Each nation wanted to be the strongest and largest. To prove this each country began building & expanding their armies and navies - Development of new technology and weapons -Example: Fierce rivalry between Britiain & Germany

Militarism Increase in Defense Expenditures France10% Britain13% Russia39% Germany73%

Imperialism - European countries divided up Africa and Asia to strengthen the political and economic power of the mother country. - This resulted in competition among European countries.

European Conquest of Africa

Nationalism Nationalism: feeling of pride and devotion to one's nation. Nationalism was both a unifying force and dividing force. Unification: Ottoman Von Bismarck: chancellor & leader in unifying Germany through wars Franco-Prussian War: 1870s Division: Disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary.

ALLIANCE SYSTEM Increased tension and suspicions led nations to form alliances for protection against each other 1879: Dual Alliance: Germany & Austria-Hungary 1881: Austro-Serbian Alliance: Austria-Hungary & Serbia 1882: Triple Alliance: Germany & Austria-Hungary 1894: Franco-Russian Allinace: Russia & France 1904: Entente Cordiale: Britain & France 1907: Anglo-Russian Entente: Russia & Britain 1907: Britain, France, & Russia

Alliances Triple AllianceTriple Entente

CRISIS IN BALKANS At the turn of the century, war was imminent. As nationalism weakened the Ottoman Empire, the Slavic peoples of the Balkan region struggled to free themselves from Ottoman control. Ottoman Empire Slavic Serbia declared independence in 1878, allying themselves to Russia. Serbia then wanted to unite with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were controlled by Austria-Hungary. Serbia (supported by Russia) v. Austria-Hungary (supported by Russia) High tensions in this area, the Balkans became known as the "Powder Keg of Europe." All that was needed to ignite the world into war was a spark.

CRISIS IN THE BALKANS

The “Spark”

Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand who believed that Bosnia should belong to Serbia.Archduke Franz Ferdinand ASSASSINATION

Domino Effect Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. Russia pledged their support for Serbia.

Domino Effect Germany declares war on Russia. France pledges their support for Russia. Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to France. Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany.

Allied Powers Central Powers World War I

Student Assignment: Students will dive into deeper research into the causes of World War I by reading informational text in small groups. Then students will write, in their own opinion, which cause was the most influential in starting World War I.