1. The Road to War (Causes of W.W.I)

2. Setting the Stage
At the turn of the 20th Century, the nations of Europe had been at peace with one another for nearly 30 years.
Efforts to outlaw war and achieve a permanent peace had been gaining momentum in Europe.
However, below the surface of peace and goodwill, several forces were at work that would help propel Europe into war.

3. Today we are going to explore the
The Great War
Several factors lead to World War I, a conflict that devastates Europe and has a major impact on the world.
Today we are going to explore the
M.A.I.N
(causes of W.W.I)

4. Store of ammunition for British trench mortars
Militarism
Militarism- A glorification of armed strength.
There was a growing race to arms.
When the possibility of war became apparent most of the European nations prepared.
Built Large Armies
Made complex mobilization plans.
Mobilize – to get into any position to be ready for war.
“Happy are those who have died in Great battles, lying on the ground before the face of God.” Written by a French Poet about this idea militarism.
Mobilize….to get into any position to be ready for war.
Store of ammunition for British trench mortars

5. Alliances
Growing rivalries between countries led nations to make alliances with one another.
The Great Powers of Europe had formed two camps.
The alliance system had be designed to keep peace in Europe but it helped push the continent to war.

6. Between 1864 and 1871, Prussia’s blood and iron chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, freely used war to unify Germany.
After 1871, Bismarck declared Germany to be a “Satisfied power.” He then turned his energies to maintaining peace in Europe
Bismarck saw France as the greatest threat to peace (France still wanted revenge for its defeat in the Franco-Prussian War).
Therefore, he wanted to isolate France.
In 1879, Bismarck formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary and 3 years later, Italy joined the two countries.
In 1881, Bismarck took yet another possible ally away from France by making a treaty with Russia.

7. Alarmed, Great Britain made an alliance with France and Russia.
In 1890, Germany’s foreign policy changed dramatically b/c Kaiser Wilhelm II forced Bismarck to resign and he became ruler.
Besides wanting to assert his own power, the new Kaiser was eager to show the world just how mighty Germany had become.
Wilhelm let his nation’s treaty with Russia lapse in 1890 and Russia responded by forming a defensive military alliance with France in 1894.
Bismarck’s fear b/c war with Russia or France would force Germany to fight a two-front war.
Next, Wilhelm began a tremendous shipbuilding program to equal that of Great Britain.
Alarmed, Great Britain made an alliance with France and Russia.

8. Europe Divided Triple Alliance Formed in 1882 Triple Entente
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy
Formed in 1882
Triple Entente
Britain
France
Russia
Formed in 1907
At the alliance system was a measure taken to try to prevent war.
The alliances were formed and the countries on the same side agreed to help one another if attacked.
The idea was one country would surely not attack another country if if meant fighting several countries instead of just one.
However, I am sure you can all see how forming alliances could be a potential cause for a fight as well. (example with a group of friends)

10. Imperialism Imperialism was another force that helped lead to war.
Imperialistic nations did not have equal shares of land and riches.
Countries became rivals, trying to outdo each other.
France and Germany, each seeking control of parts of Africa, almost came to war twice.
Such competition bred mistrust.

11. Nationalism Nationalism helped unify the people of a country.
Helped promote competition between countries.
By 1900 six nations were rivals for power in Europe.
The Great Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and France.

12. Causes of WWI M.A.I.N M-Militarism A-Alliances I-Imperialism
N-Nationalism

13. Spark
By 1914, rival alliances, nationalism, imperialism, and an arms race had brought Europe to the brink of war. All that was needed was a spark to light the fuse.

14. Trouble in the Balkans
The spirit of Nationalism would become a problem for some nations.
Austria-Hungary looked to extend its influence on the Balkan Peninsula.
However much of the Slavic Speaking population struggled for their independence.
Serbs living in Austria-Hungary wanted to be part of Serbia (a neighboring country). Many of these Serbs lived in Sarajevo (City in Austria Hungary)
The Austrian Emperor sent his nephew Franz Ferdinand to Sarajevo to try to improve relations with the Serbs.
Serbs living in Austria-Hungary wanted to be part of Serbia (a neighboring country) Many of these Serbs lived in Sarajevo (City in Austria Hungary) The Austrian Emperor sent his nephew Franz Ferdinand to Sarajevo to try to improve relations with the Serbs.

15. The Shot Heard Around the World
In June 1914, a Serbian shot and killed the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary—Franz Ferdinand.
Gavrilo Princip- shot Ferdinand and wife.
Propelled Europe and its allies into what would become known as the "War To End All Wars".
Remember Franz Ferdinand was in the Balkans to observe military maneuvers and make a goodwill tour of Sarajevo
In reaction Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Then because of the Alliances that were formed a whole bunch of countries jumped in. Thus starting a world war.

16. Franz Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip