How did World War I begin? Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Sinking of the Lusitania Zimmerman Note
The MAIN Causes MILITARISM- aggressive build up of armed forces, as preparation for war ALLIANCE SYSTEM- countries agreed to defend each other if attacked IMPERIALISM- caused competition for new markets and colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific NATIONALISM- having pride in your country, willing to defend your nation
Alliances to know: Central Powers (formerly Triple Alliance) Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Triple Entente (later known as the Allies) Great Britain France Russia United States Italy
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand June 1914- The Archduke, heir to the Austrian throne, was visiting Bosnian capital of Sarajevo Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip shoots and kills Ferdinand and wife Sophia Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia How did this lead to WWI? Which of the MAIN causes apply?
Sinking of the Lusitania May 7, 1915 British liner Lusitania sank by German U-boat (Unterseeboot) aka submarine 1,198 die, 128 Americans among the dead US public angry, turns against Germany Germany defends sinking Lusitania; said ship was carrying ammunition Germany continues unrestricted submarine warfare How long before US declares war on Germany? Some historians ask, “Is the sinking of the Lusitania really a cause?”
Zimmermann Note A German telegram sent to German ambassador in Mexico and intercepted by British agents Telegram proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany Promised that if war w/ US broke out; Germany would support Mexico Mexico would get back “lost” territory in TX, New Mexico, and Arizona as a reward