World War I Prelude to a War
Major Causes of War Nationalism: Tensions over rise of unified Germany and Italy Tensions in the Balkans over ethnic nationalism Primarily in Serbia while it was trying to break free of Austria-Hungary
Major Causes of War Imperialism: Creates an increased sense of rivalry and bad feelings among the major powers of Europe Countries like Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia saw themselves as imperial powers and they could not let the other countries become powers
Major Causes of War Militarism: This is a massive build-up of military power Caused by a desire to protect their overseas colonies from other nations Countries like England and France already had large modern armies, but emergence of German military power created issues This tension led to nervousness among Europeans and could quickly become armed conflict
Major Causes of War Alliances: These are partnerships among nations for mutual defense Two major alliances formed in Europe: Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy Triple Entente – France, Russia, Great Britain (England) Leaders felt that alliances would lead to peace because no nation would attack another knowing that other nations would get involved
Major Causes of War How do each of these contribute to war? Militarism = larger and more complex militaries cause issues in Europe Nationalism = pride in country leads to people supporting all actions of their nation and government Imperialism = competition to become the greatest global power causes a hatred among countries of Europe Alliances = by teaming up nations you ensure that the conflict will be widespread and have a greater potential of occurring
War Begins June 28, 1914 – Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in Bosnian city of Sarajevo His wife Sophie was also killed with him Princip was member of a Serbian nationalist group called “Black Hand” Austria-Hungary decided to use this as a way to punish Serbia July 28, 1914 – war declared by Austria-Hungary on Serbia
War Begins August 1, 1914 – Russia mobilizes military against Austria-Hungary August 1, 1914 – Germany declares war on Russia August 1, 1914 – Germany and Ottoman Empire make a treaty August 3, 1914 – Germany declares war on France August 3, 1914 – Belgium stays neutral – will not allow Germany to enter – Germany invades Belgium
War Begins August 4, 1914 – Great Britain declares war on Germany August 6, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia August 6, 1914 – Serbia declares war on Germany
Sides Chosen in War Central Powers: Allied Powers: Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Allied Powers: Great Britain France Russia Serbia
Questions for Power Point What are the four major causes of World War I? Why do each of these play a role? What event leads to armed conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia? Who is Gavrilo Princip? What group was he a member of? What type of group was this? Who was the first to mobilize against Austria-Hungary on the side of Serbia?
Questions for Power Point When does Germany enter the war? When does France enter the war? When does Great Britain enter the war? Which country got invaded for not letting Germany through to invade France? Who were the members of Central Powers? Who were the members of the Allied Powers?