MAIN Causes of World War One S. Todd CHC 2DI

1. MILITARISM A build up of arms and troops Creates fear

Re-enforces the power of the country Increases the chance of victory Used when negotiations fail Germany must build a navy to match Britain’s – fear and jealousy Russia had a larger population than any other country Standing armies created as back-up Advanced technology in naval design Caused the need for imperialism New weapons caused fear and animosity between nations Sense of invincibility – can’t lose

2. ALLIANCES Formal agreements between countries with the promise of military backing

Triple Entente – England, Russia, France Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy Russia supported Serbia for war France and Russia bordered Germany to the West and East and had an alliance France and England had an alliance Germany and Austria-Hungary both Germanic; natural allies

3. IMPERIALISM Collecting foreign territories

More land re-enforces the power of the country Some countries had territories in other places; able to start war more easily Added to the number of troops available to fight Caused hostility between nations with changing claims of land Increased sizes of nations Natural resources allowed for expanded industrialization in the homeland Increased industrialization lead to increased production of modern weapons Standing armies to protect your colonies Armies gain experience from fighting colonial wars

4. NATIONALISM Pride in ones nation

Death of Franz Ferdinand Protect interests of one nation at others’ expense Willing to die for their country Causes animosity towards aggressors or invaders Feeling of superiority because of nationality The need to unite common people Historical powers still existed