I.M. A. D.U.N.C.E. World War I started because….

Imperialism I Countries wanted more money, power, territory Q: Why could this lead to war?

Militarism M Each country wanted the best military – war was glorified

Alliances A Countries join together and agree to help each other if attacked Q: Why could this lead to war?

Diplomatic Failures D Countries were unable to work out their problems by talking.

U Love World History!! U

Nationalism N The people of Europe wanted to prove that their country was the best.

Competition for Colonies C European countries competed for colonies and became enemies.

Eeek!! E Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated. This is the spark that starts the war!

The alliances…

Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated by Serbian nationalists

Austria declares war on Serbia

Germany promised to support Austria (had a treaty)

Russia has treaty with Serbia and begins mobilizing troops.

Germany declares war on Russia

France has a treaty with Russia and promises them support

So Germany declared war on France

Germany launches an attack on France by invading through Belgium

Britain had a 75 year old treaty promising to protect the neutrality of Belgium so they declare war on Germany

Britains colonies and other Commonwealth members came into the war to support Britain (Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India)

The United States declared neutrality

Japan had a treaty with Britain and declared war on Germany

Italy declared neutrality and stayed out of it (for a while) in spite of a treaty with Germany and Austria

The world is at war!