EVENTS THAT LED TO WORLD WAR I

Europe was at peace for nearly 30 years

1 st Cause of WWI Nationalism- deep devotion to One’s country -causes intense rivalries between Nations, (in particular the most Powerful ones)

Europe’s Greatest Powers- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Britain, and Russia Rivalry stemmed from competition For materials and resources

Ethnic groups also demanded their Own independence (especially True in the Balkan states)

What is Nationalism and how does it lead to WWI?

2 nd Cause of WW I Imperialism-the practice where A more powerful nation controls A less powerful nation -Countries wanted more power, More land -Imperialism made European Powers rivals for territory in Africa And Asia

Countries drew on their colonies for manpower. Colonies supported the imperialist nation that controlled them. Mohandas Gandhi “ help the British in their hour of need…”

As European countries continued to Compete, their sense of rivalry and Mistrust of one another deepened Imperialism would turn a European War into a World War I

What is Imperialism and how does it lead to WWI?

3 rd Cause of WW I Militarism- The building up of Armies and Weapons -Believed in order to be a great Power, needed to have a great military -Having a large army made Citizens feel patriotic

Germany had the best army and Britain the best navy C) After 1900, Germany began to build up her navy and Britain did not like this

What is Militarism or an Arms Race and how does it lead to WWI?

4 th Cause of WW I The growing rivalries led to Alliances- A strategic friendship between two or more nations As time passed, each nation began looking for allies (friends) who would help them if a war started

 France wanted revenge on Germany for her defeat in 1870 [Franco- Prussian War]  Britain was very unhappy with Germany's military build up and growing power  Germany wanted to surpass Britain as the world’s greatest superpower

Alliances As time passed, each nation began looking for allies (friends) who would help them if a war started

What are Alliances and how do they lead to WWI?

Triple Alliance- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy (later known as the central powers) Triple Entente- Great Britain, France, Russia (later known as the allies)

Who were the members of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente?

The Spark that starts WWI: The assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria started the war. WWI will last four years and millions will die. The start of WWI