WWI Facts & Figures “Great War” Over 15 million dead Cost $350 Billion Causes hatred, resentment, economic depression, and extreme nationalism
Causes of WWI Nationalism – the belief that a specific nation, language, or culture is superior to all others. Example - Problems in Balkan Peninsula, Slavs living in Austria- Hungary want to be part of Serbia.
Causes of WWI Imperialism – countries competing to build overseas empires, arguing over land in Europe. Example – France vs. Germany over border region called Alsace-Lorraine
Causes of WWI Militarism – policy of aggressive military preparedness. Example – Germany, France, Great Britain built largest armies and navies ever. Why?
Causes of WWI Alliance System – In late 1800s European countries began to form alliances to create a balance of power. Balance of Power – a situation in which the strength of rival alliances is nearly equal. Examples Triple Alliance Triple Entente
Triple Alliance
Triple Entente
Causes of WWI The Balkans is a “powder keg”. The spark that ignites it is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip being dragged away by police after killing Franz Ferdinand.
Who’s Got Our Backs? Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia declares war on Austria-Hungary Germany declares war on Russia & France Britain declares war on Germany Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia The Great War has begun!
Triple Alliance becomes Central Powers. Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire join Germ and AH. Triple Entente becomes Allied Powers. Britain, France, Russia joined by Italy.