The Great War 1914 - 1918

MAIN Causes of World War I MILITARISM ALLIANCES IMPERIALISM NATIONALISM

Militarism Militarism – policy of glorifying military power, preparing army for war (“if needed”)

Alliances Growing rivalries and mutual mistrust led to the creation of alliances (agreements to operate as a team) by certain countries. For example, in Fear of France, Germany allied herself with Austria-Hungary (and were later joined by Italy to form the “Triple Alliance”) Britain allied herself with France and Russia in the “Triple Entente”

Imperialism Competition of colonies causes mistrust between nations.

Nationalism in Europe Growing nationalism leads to competition between nations. Nationalism – pride in or devotion to one’s country.

MAIN in action: Trouble in the Balkans In a show of nationalist and imperial might, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina increasing tension with neighboring Serbia for two reasons: Serbia was largely populated by people of a Slavic race (largely of Eastern European decent) as was Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pride in being a Slav led to calls of the unification of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria’s annexation halted such plans Austria- Hungary warned Serbia that any attempt to take over Bosnia and Herzegovina would be crushed. Austria, subsequently, massed troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand, (heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne) goes on visit to inspect troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gavrilo Princip, a 19 year-old Serbian nationalist, kills the Archduke in Sarajevo. Mayhem breaks out.

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany (under Kaiser Wilhelm II) pledged their support for Austria –Hungary (example of German nationalism ) Russia pledged their support for Serbia. · example of Slavic nationalism 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. Italy switches sides and joins Allies when promised land from Britain in Treaty of London

Allied Powers: Central Powers: Germany Great Britain World War I France Austria-Hungary Russia Ottoman Empire Modern-day Turkey Italy

Armies March

Two Sides By August of 1914 there are two sides at war in Europe. By the end of the war 32 nations will have participated in the war on one side or another.

Bloody Stalemate Schlieffen Plan – German plan to quickly defeat France and then turn against Russia. Western Front – heavy battle zone in Northern France

Trench Warfare Conflict descends into trench warfare – armies fighting from trenches. Life in trenches is miserable difficult, unsanitary. Huge losses of life traded for minimum gains in territory.

The effect of Russia in WW1 Russia was cut off from her allies in Western Europe and was not yet industrialized By 1916, as a result Russia was suffering with many casualties and few supplies. However, Russia had numbers and huge army keeps her in the fight. Prevents Germany from sending troops to Western Front.

Review task Go to the following website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25826265 Click on “Who to blame for World War One?” Press start Complete part one “Signs of tension” Complete part two: “The path to war”