Causes and Consequences of WWI SSWH16

A. Identify the causes of the war; include Balkan nationalism, entangling alliances, and militarism Remember – after Napoleon the congress of Vienna met – they wanted to create a peaceful Europe with no major powers trying to get too greedy So for about 30 years there was relative peace in Europe. However, tensions began to grow in the early 1900’s.

Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism The growth of a feeling of devotion to ones country. This can also be a feeling of superiority! People began to believe their country was the best. This led to rivalry among the top nations – Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy. These countries sought to expand their sphere of influence. France wanted Alsace-Lorraine back from Germany and Russia and AH both wanted the Balkans.

Who were the Slavs? Slav (people) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia Balkans -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia

Imperial Europe’s major powers were in competition for colonies – this caused rivalry and mistrust between these countries. This Mistrust lead to brinkmanship (being on the brink of war) This let to a European arms race & militarism. Militarism is the practice of having a large and strong standing army made up of citizens who love their country.

Entangling Alliances Bismarck of Germany formed an alliance between Germany, Austria Hungary, Italy, and Russia – in order to maintain peace and Isolate France. Without allies he felt France couldn’t retaliate for its loss in the Franco-Prussian War. This alliance became known as the Triple Alliance (1881) Kaiser Wilhelm II took over Germany in 1890 – forced Bismarck out.

Wilhelm didn’t keep up with the treaty with Russia. Russia formed a treaty with France. Two alliances Form – the Triple alliance & The Triple Entente.

Remember those Balkans? The Slavic people in the Balkans began to break away from their Turkish (Ottoman rulers). The Slavs especially Serbia wanted to extend its borders – Russia was cool with this b/c it is mostly Slavic and thought they could absorb Serbia. Austria-Hungary not so cool with it – they didn’t want their Slavic people angry. Serbs wanted to unite all Slavs – AH wanted to protect its territory. AH promises to crush any Serbian effort to undermine its authority In the Balkans

The Spark Serbian nationalist assassinated archduke Franz Ferdinand. Assassin Serbian – Assassinated AH AH used this as an excuse to punish Serbians and squash the growing rebellion. AH delivered ultimatums to Serbs – they agreed to most – AH said naw and declared war.

Oh what a tangled web AH declares war on the Serbs Russia who is allied with Serbs mobilized along the German border to defend them. Germany declared war on Russia. Russia sought help from its ally France – Germany declared war on France. Great Britain declared war on Germany. The central powers – Germany and AH against the Allies-GB, France, and Russia – Japan joined, and Italy joined

WWI Cause I Create a short summary of how Balkan nationalism (SLAVS & SERBS), militarism, and alliances contributed to WWI

b. Describe conditions on the war front for soldiers; include the battle of Verdun. Everyone thought the war would be over quickly. Summer 1914 – Fall of 1918 WWI is characterized by its use of trench warfare http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1080&bih=656&q=trench+warfare+ww1&gbv=2&oq=trench+warfare+ww1&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=img.3..0l10.534l5699l0l5860l19l19l0l5l5l0l96l719l14l14l0.frgbld.

Trench Warfare Battles conducted in trenches. Soldiers lived, ate, slept, pooped, and died in these trenches. The area inbetween the trenches is referred to no mans land. Most people didn’t come back from no mans land This type of warfare led to a long drawn out war because little land was gained. New weaponry made WWI deadly – Poison gas, the machine gun, the tank, and the submarine.

The Battle of Verdun Battle between the French and Germans in 1916. The British also got involved to help Each side lost more than 500,000 lives The territory gained was miniscule – The Germans gained 4 miles near Verdun The British gained 5 miles near the Somme valley.

O.K. You guys know who wins – obviously The allies – we will talk a little bit more about the war when we talk about Russia. So – here is what I want you to do Read pages 854 – 861 Create some kind of graphic that shows what happened with the Treaty of Versailles. Specifically how it impacted Germany & the mandate system that replaced Ottoman control.