World War I Begins SWBAT: Identify the causes of WWI and explain why the U.S. chose neutrality. Homework: Vocabulary Sheet Do Now: With a partner, try to define the following terms: Nationalism Militarism Given the definitions you have come up with, do you think these things are good or bad? Explain.

The Causes…

Causes of WWI Tensions War

Cause 1: Imperialism Imperialism: land and empire rivalries Tensions War

Imperialism and Europeans European powers are competing for land, influence, and power around the world. Remember these maps??? Empire of Great Britain

Imperialism and Competition All the great powers were competing for:  Raw materials  Cheap labor and soldiers  People to tax Created competition between the countries: the biggest and most successful empire wins. Competition leads to hostility between the great powers.

Cause 2: Nationalism Imperialism: land and empire rivalries Nationalism Tensions War

Nationalism in Europe Early 20 th century was a time when all nations strived for self- determination : a country asserting their autonomy, power, and independence. Two Kinds 1. Countries looking to become independent: i.e. Slavs from Serbia wanted to be free of Austria-Hungarian rule.  Situations like these made large empires weak. 2. Other countries reorganized themselves as strong nations: i.e. German states come together to create one large, strong nation.

Cause 3: Alliance System Imperialism: land and empire rivalries Alliance System Nationalism Tensions War

The Creation of the Triple Alliance In 1882 Germany, Austria- Hungary, and Italy promise to come to the aid of another should they be attacked.

Creation of the Triple Entente In 1907 Great Britain, France, and Russia form an alliance similar to that of the Triple Alliance promising to protect one another if another country should attack another.

The Alliance System by 1914 What is the problem with an alliance system so intricate?

Cause 4: Militarism Imperialism: land and empire rivalries Militarism Alliance System Nationalism Tensions War

Imperialist Empires need big Armies Having colonies all over the world meant you needed an army big enough to handle problems all over the world. In addition to competition over land, competition also occurred over the armed forces:  Great Britain and Germany were fighting to make the biggest navies.  Germany was competing with France and Russia to create the largest armies Arms build up between Germany1.3 m5.0 m France.73 m4.0 m Russia.40 m1.2 m

Cause 5: Assassination Imperialism: land and empire rivalries Assassination of Franz Ferdinand Militarism Alliance System Nationalism Tensions War

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand =5LAgDuNZU8A =5LAgDuNZU8A

Causes of WWI Tensions War