World War I Major Players
Austria-Hungary and Germany
Germany Desired to expand its empire and get colonies Built a powerful army and navy to equal Great Britain. Feared France due to anger over lost territories of Alsace & Lorraine
Germany and Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary Contained a large number of Slavic peoples living in the southern part of the country who wanted their freedom Annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, which angered the Slavics
Europe in 1914
Italy Main goal to colonize, mainly northern Africa No large empire to defend and not much of a threat militarily
Great Britain Industrialized-large, strong navy. Wanted to maintain a balance in Europe so she couldn’t be threatened. Was threatened by Germany’s military build-up and desire to expand.
France Feared Germany’s growing power! Angry with Germany over the loss of territories (Alsace and Lorraine) during the Franco- Prussian War ( )
Russia Largest of the Slavic countries and acted as a protector Looking to expand its empire, especially in the south to allow for sea access.
Serbia Wanted to bring all of the Slavic peoples together. Angered over the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Slavic territories) by Austria-Hungary
The Balkan Region 1914
Triple Entente
Balkans