America In WWI Test: 20-November-2014

World War 1 Question : Due 11-Nov-14 Why did World War 1 break out in Europe?

Quick Intro American leaders had successfully followed G.W.’s advice in his Farewell Address to avoid “entanglements” with Europe. However, during the Spanish-American War, the U.S. acquired an overseas empire and grew to become a major world power. Another turning point in American foreign policy was reached in 1917, when the U.S. entered WWI

Quick Intro WWI was a GLOBAL war fought with new destructive technologies. Far More destructive than any previous conflict.

The Spark The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (by Serb nationalist in 1914) was the immediate cause of the war. Austria-Hungary : BIG multi-national state Slavic groups wanted independence (and were willing to commit acts of terrorism to achieve it). Serbia (neighboring Slavic State) planned the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand (the heir to the throne)

The Spark Austria invaded Serbia to avenge the assassination (encouraged by their ally, Germany) Existing alliances quickly brought other major powers into war Russia: Allied to Serbia Germany: Allied to Austria-Hungary Britain and France: Allied to Russia Quickly escalated into a MAJOR European war

The Causes Nationalism Economic Rivalries & Imperialism Militarism & Military Planning The Alliance System

Nationalism Extreme loyalty to a nation and concern for its welfare Led to rivalries between France, Germany, Austria- Hungary, and Russia. Several nationalities in Austria-Hungary wanted to form their own national states.

Economic Rivalries & Imperialism Imperialism: A nation’s attempt to gain control of weaker nations European nations divided much of Africa into colonies in order to obtain new materials and sell goods. European powers had competing economic interests. For example, Russian interests in the Balkans threatened Austria- Hungary. Competing colonial claims added to these tensions.

Militarism & Military Planning A nation’s policy to maintain a strong armed force Powerful military establishments dominated European life. People were often seen in uniform and extolled the virtues of military discipline and war. Generals believed it was better to attack than to be attacked because of the time it took to get troops into position

The Alliance System The formation of military agreements among nations By the 1890s, Europe was divided into 2 alliances Any dispute involving two of these nations threatened to involve all of them

The Alliance System The Triple Alliance (also known as the Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy The Triple Entente (also known as the Allied Powers): Great Britain, France & Russia