1. Partition of Africa Many European countries colonized in Africa
New age of imperialism
Almost all countries were taken over by a European power
Ethiopia and Liberia were able to stay independent

2. MAIN causes of WWI WWI was direct result of 4 main causes
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism
War was inevitable, but there was a spark

3. Militarism
Belief that country should maintain strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively
Displays of militarism in Europe pre-WWI
Rise in military expenditure
Increase in military and naval forces
Influence of military on policies of gov’t

4. Alliances Union formed for mutual benefits between countries
Displays of alliances in Europe pre-WWI
Triple Entente
France, Russia, Britain
Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

5. Imperialism
Extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force
Displays of imperialism in Europe pre-WWI
Partition of Africa
Asian areas
Latin America

6. Nationalism What is nationalism?
Displays of nationalism in Europe pre-WWI
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Countries believed they could win any war due to superiority
Extreme patriotism

7. Spark that started the war
Bosnia and Herzegovina were annexed by Austria-Hungary
Serbian nationalists believed it should be part of newly independent Serbia
Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to Austro-Hungarian Empire) traveled to Sarajevo June 1914
Shot and killed by Gavrilo Princip (black hand)

8. Germany’s blank check
Germany gave Austria-Hungary a “blank check” of support against Serbia
Austria-Hungary send Serbia an ultimatum
Serbia accept Austro-Hungarian inquiry in assassination
Serbia to suppress anti-Austrian propaganda
Serbia eliminate terrorist organizations
Demanded answer within 48 hours

9. Serbia’s response Austria-Hungary anticipated Serbia’s decline
Serbia proposed arbitration
Austria-Hungary declared war July 28, 1914

10. War declarations Germany declares war on Russia and France
Germany invades Belgium (neutral)
Britain declares war on Germany
Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia
Serbia declares war on Germany
France, Britain, and Japan declare war on Austria-Hungary
Japan declares war on Germany
And so on and so forth