MAIN causes of World War I

Militarism Massive Military buildup – To protect overseas colonies & imperialistic powers Size of armed forces & navies grew – Germany had no overseas land to protect

Militarism Countries with militaries were ready to use them as soon as any trouble erupted – ‘Trigger-happy’ ready to fire at the least provocation, regardless of situation or consequences

Alliances Countries allied to protect themselves against Militarism from other countries – Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy – Triple Entente: Russia, France, and Great Britain – Alliances should keep war from starting because no country should want to start a war with a different country and its allies as well.

Imperialism The policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries or acquiring and hold colonies and dependencies Germany, France, Russia, and Great Britain were imperial nations

Imperialism To keep imperial lands safe from conquest by other imperial countries, militarism grew

Nationalism Strong devotion to one’s national group or culture New countries and power struggles Balkan Peninsula – SE Europe (ex. Serbia) – Areas w/certain ethnic groups might want freedom from an empire or bigger country

Nationalism Serbs had Serbia, but many lived outside borders – Serbia wanted to expand borders Austria-Hungary wouldn’t let Serbia expand