Prelude to The Great War Storm on the Horizon

Nationalism Feeling of patriotism and supreme loyalty that a nationality has towards one country. Key Terms Associated with Nationalism 1.Nationality 2.Nation 3.Subject Nationality 4.Chauvinism

Multinational Empires Austro-Hungarian Empire Russian Empire Ottoman Empire Colonial empires of European powers

The Balance of Power The European balance of power was disturbed with the following: 1.Unification of new nations of Italy and Germany 2.Weakening of Ottomans with Russia eyeing Balkans as new territory 3.German naval program and desire for colonies to feed its industries (had surpassed Britain in industrial output.) 4.Stagnant French growth

Alliances Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria- Hungary, Italy Triple Entente: France, Russia, Britain

Militarism Militarism is the build up of your military in peacetime. Concept is to project strength and readiness to your potential enemies. Problem is that it can lead to the use of the military as a first option.

Military Buildup Prior to WWI Germany- had best land army due which had demonstrated in victories against Holland, Austria and France in the late 19 th century. Began building up navy which was threat to Britain. France- had small army but spent money on defensive works on French/German border. (Maginot Line) Britain- began building up army but had largest navy. Russia- had massive army but had poor technology and leadership. Wanted to modernize army and navy desperately. Japan- copied Britain’s navy and Germany’s army to have most powerful military in Asia.

Flash Points Morocco 1905/1911 Alsace-Lorraine Bosnia-Herzegovina

The Shots Heard Around the World June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were shot and killed by a Serbian assassin. This event causes Austria to invade Serbia on July 28, 1914 and thus starting WWI.