Causes of World War I Mrs. Eckert World History Chapter 17.1 and 17.2

Long Term Causes Rise of Nationalism- Pride in ones own nation; desire for independence Various minority ethnic groups who were living under the rule of larger countries wanted to form their own countries Examples – Poles- split, and under 3 separate nations – Serbs- split, some Serbians under Austria-Hungary – Czechs- want independence from Austria-Hungary – Bulgaria- wants independence from Ottoman Empire

Long Term Causes continued Militarism- national policy based on military strength and glorification of war Examples – Build up of arms by countries all around the world – Build up of naval power by all major countries (Notable countries include Great Britain, France, Germany, United States, Russia, Japan, Italy)

Long term causes continued Imperialism -domination of the political, economic, and social life of another country Examples: – Russia and Japan fight over Korea (Russo/Japanese War) – Germany and Great Britain nearly fought over colonizing Africa and the Middle East – France and Germany fought over Alsace and Lorraine (Franco/Prussian War) – Austria/Hungary and Russia fought over control of Slavic groups ( Crimean War and Balkan Wars)

Long Term Causes continued Alliances- signing treaties to help defend each other if attacked – Three Emperors’ League united Germany, Austria- Hungary and Russia – Triple Alliance united Germany, Austria-Hungary., and Italy – Triple Entente united Russia, France, Great Britain

Immediate Cause Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand – June 28, 1914 While visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia – He was the heir to Austrian throne Shot by Gavrilo Princip from Serbia – He was a member of a secret society called The Black Hand This caused a diplomatic crisis. WAR COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BUT THE ALLIANCES GOT IN THE WAY

Timeline starting the war June 28, 1914 Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand July 23, 1914 Austria-Hungary gives Serbia ultimatum July 25, 1914 Serbia refuses to let Austrian inspectors into Serbia July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia July 30, 1914 Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary July 31, 1914 Germany gives Russia an ultimatum to cancel mobilization August 1, 1914 Germany declares war on Russia and 2 days later declares war on France Germany invades Belgium to get to France Great Britain declares war on Germany for invading Belgium The US will not join the war until 1917