2. The Great War Begins Preview
Starting Points Map: European Alliances and Military Forces
Main Idea / Reading Focus
Europe on the Brink of War
Quick Facts: Causes of World War I
War Breaks Out
Fighting in 1914
Faces of History: Kaiser Wilhelm II
Map: World War I Battles, 1914

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4. The Great War Begins Main Idea Reading Focus
Europe in 1914 was on the brink of war. After an assassination, the nations of Europe were drawn one by one into what would be called the Great War, or World War I.
Reading Focus
Why was Europe on the brink of war in 1914?
Why did war break out?
What were the results of the fighting in 1914?

5. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 1: The Great War Begins
Witness History Audio: The Spark: Borijove Jevtic
Alliances Draw Lines
Because of distrust among nations, two large alliances emerged—the Triple Alliance of Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary and the Triple Entente of France, Russia, and Britain.
Geography Interactive: European Alliances and Military Build-Up, 1914
Rivalries and Nationalism Increase Tension
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Who killed the Archduke and his wife?” (Gavrilo Princip) “Why might Princip have done this?” (Sample: to make a statement about Serbian nationalism.)
When Showing Color Transparency 157, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on the causes and consequences of the Schlieffen Plan.
Economic rivalries, struggles over colonies, arms races, and aggressive nationalism pushed Europe toward war.
Note Taking Transparency 169
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6. Europe on the Brink of War
Rising tensions in Europe, 1914
Tensions result of four factors
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism

7. Europe on the Brink of War
Massive military buildup in European countries, late 1800s and early 1900s
Wanted to protect overseas colonies from other nations
Growing power of armed forces left all sides ready to act at first sign of trouble
Minor disagreements had potential to turn to armed conflict
Militarism
Nations formed partnerships to protect against opposing forces
Triple Alliance united Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Great Britain joined France, Russia in Triple Entente
Believed no one nation would attack another, because allies would join fight
Alliances

8. Europe on the Brink of War
Late 1800s and early 1900s saw quest to build empires
Created rivalry, ill will among European nations
Germany, France, Russia, Great Britain vied to become great imperial nations
Each did not want others to gain power
Imperialism
Strong devotion to one’s national group or culture, increased in late 1800s
Led to formation of new countries, struggles for power
Most visible in Balkan Peninsula, southeastern Europe
Home to many ethnic groups trying to break free from Ottoman Empire
Nationalism

10. Europe on the Brink of War
Some of strongest nationalist tensions in Balkans in Serbia, independent nation
Serbian leaders wanted to expand borders, unite people in “greater Serbia”
Austria-Hungary, powerful empire to north, opposed expansion
Feared growth might encourage ethnic groups there to rebel
Tensions continued to rise in early 1900s

12. Why was Europe on the brink of war in 1914?
Summarize
Why was Europe on the brink of war in 1914?
Answer(s): rising tensions as result of militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism

13. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 1: The Great War Begins
The Powder Keg Ignites
In Sarajevo the nephew of the Austrian emperor was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, causing Austria (backed by Germany) to declare war on Serbia.
Alliances Kick In
Serbia enlisted the help of its ally, Russia, which brought France along with it into the war. Britain joined the war when Germany invaded neutral Belgium.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Who killed the Archduke and his wife?” (Gavrilo Princip) “Why might Princip have done this?” (Sample: to make a statement about Serbian nationalism.)
When Showing Color Transparency 157, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on the causes and consequences of the Schlieffen Plan.
Chart: Reasons for Entering the War, July-August 1914
Color Transparency 157: The Schlieffen Plan
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21. War Breaks Out The Impact Fighting Begins
In the midst of the tensions with Serbia, archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary decided to visit the Bosnian city of Sarajevo.
Serbian Gavrilo Princip assassinated archduke, wife
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia
Russia prepared to support Serbia
Austria-Hungary ally Germany saw Russia as threat
Germany declared war on Russia, ally France
The Impact
Germany faced war on two fronts: Russia to east, France to west
Decided to strike France quickly then move to Russia
Began with quick strike into neutral Belgium
Attack on neutral country led Great Britain to declare war on Germany
Fighting Begins

22. Main players in World War I in place
War Breaks Out
Main players in World War I in place
Central Powers
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Allied Powers
Great Britain
France
Russia
Serbia

23. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Color Transparency 157: The Schlieffen Plan
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24. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Chart: Reasons for Entering the War, July-August 1914
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25. World War I and the Russian Revolution
Section 1: The Great War Begins
Reaction to the War
The war took peoples’ minds off domestic problems and united the citizens of each country under patriotism.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Who killed the Archduke and his wife?” (Gavrilo Princip) “Why might Princip have done this?” (Sample: to make a statement about Serbian nationalism.)
When Showing Color Transparency 157, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide a discussion on the causes and consequences of the Schlieffen Plan.
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26. War on the Home Front Women in War Millions of men at battle
Work on home front done by women
Some worked in factories, producing war supplies
Others served as nurses to wounded
Contributions of women
Transformed public views of women
Helped women win right to vote

27. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Note Taking Transparency 169
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28. What events led to the outbreak of World War I?
Sequence
What events led to the outbreak of World War I?
Answer(s): Serbian Gavrilo Princip killed Austrian Archduke Ferdinand and his wife; Germany (an ally of Austria-Hungary) declared war on Russia (an ally of Serbia); Germany attacked Belgium; Great Britain declared war on Germany

29. World War I and the Russian Revolution: Section 1
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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