The Causes of the First World War Long-Term Causes EMPIRES Why did the countries of Europe want big empires? Where was there a scramble for territory between 1870 and 1900? How might competition for Empires help to start a war? ARMS RACE What was a Dreadnought? Which country tried to build more battle ships than Britain? How might an arms race help to start a war?

The Causes of the First World War Long-Term Causes ARMS RACE What was a Dreadnought? Which country tried to build more battle ships than Britain? How might an arms race help to start a war? ALLIANCES Which countries were in the Triple Entente? Which countries were in the Triple Alliance? How might alliances help to start a war?

The Causes of the First World War Short-Term Cause ASSASSINATION OF ARCHDUKE FRANZ FERDINAND EMPIRES ARMS RACE ALLIANCES

The Causes of the First World War On June 28th 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand visited Sarajevo with his wife. On his way from the station to the town hall a grenade was thrown at his car. It missed, but the explosion wounded an officer in the car behind. The Archduke decided to change his programme so he could visit the officer in hospital. Unfortunately, his driver did not know the way and took a wrong turn. One of the assassins from earlier in the day, Gavrilo Princip, just happened to be walking by. He stepped up to the car and fired a revolver, killing the Archduke and his wife. The Archduke was murdered because Bosnia wanted independence from Austria. Gavrilo Princip was from Serbia who wished to unite with Bosnia instead. The Austrians, therefore, blamed Serbia for the death and decided they must be punished.

The Causes of the First World War Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria blames Serbia Serbia calls on Russia for help Austria turns to Germany for help THE FIRST WORLD WAR HAS BEGUN Britain declares war on Germany German troops march into Belgium France begins to mobilise Who was to blame for the First World War?