1. World War I and the Russian Revolution (1914–1924)
Lesson 1 World War I Begins

2. World War I and the Russian Revolution (1914–1924)
Lesson 1 World War I Begins
Learning Objectives
Describe how imperialism, nationalism, and militarism pushed Europe closer to war.
Identify the key event that sparked World War I.
Trace how the alliance system drew nations into the war.

3. World War I and the Russian Revolution (1914–1924)
Lesson 1 World War I Begins
Key Terms
entente
militarism,
Alsace and Lorraine
ultimatum,
mobilize,
Neutrality

4. European Powers Form Alliances
By 1914, Europe had enjoyed a century of relative peace. Idealists hoped for a permanent end to the scourge of war. International events, such as the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and the First Universal Peace Conference in 1899, were steps toward keeping the peace. “The future belongs to peace,” said French economist Frédéric Passy (pa SEE).

5. European Powers Form Alliances
Nations Form Alliances
Great powers of Europe fearful of each other
Form alliances to protect themselves
France still ticked over loss during Franco-Prussian War
The Triple Alliance
Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary
Germany and AH- Central Powers
The Triple Entente
France, Russia, Britain
Other Alliances
Germany with Ottoman
Britain with Japan
Russia with Serbia

6. European Powers Form Alliances
The first Olympics of the modern era, held in Athens in 1896, represented a hope for a more peaceful world. The opening ceremony is shown here.

7. Major Causes of World War I
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, tensions were increasing among the great powers of Europe. Aggressive nationalism, economic competition, imperialism, militarism, and an arms race all helped fuel an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust.

8. Major Causes of World War I
Economic and Imperial Rivalry
Militarism and the Arms Race
Nationalism
Nationalism-
Imperialism-
Militarism-
Alliance System-
Alsace and Lorraine-

9. Major Causes of World War I
A Parisian newspaper presented this view of imperialism. The caption says “France freely gives Morocco civilization, peace, and wealth.” Hypothesize Who might have opposed this viewpoint? Why?

10. Major Causes of World War I
Analyze Data According to this infographic, which country had the most soldiers? Which country had the largest navy?

11. The Balkan Powder Keg Explodes
As Bismarck had predicted, the Great War began in Eastern Europe. A regional conflict between tiny Serbia and the huge empire of Austria-Hungary grew rapidly into a general war that would mark one of history’s significant turning points.

12. The Balkan Powder Keg Explodes
Archduke Francis Ferdinand Is Assassinated
Bosnia- full of Serbs
Black Hand- terrorist group- wants Bosnia to be part of Serbia- nationalism
Bosnia part of AH
Archduke Ferdinand visits Sarajevo
Killed by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914
Austria Declares War on Serbia
AH blames Serbia
AH- receive ”blank check” from Germany
Ultimatum- set of demands given to Serbia
48 hours to reply
Serbia agreed to most
AH declared war July 28, 1914

13. The Balkan Powder Keg Explodes
Interpret What does this medal from the Serbian nationalist organization the Black Hand suggest about the nature of the organization?

14. The Alliance System Leads to War
The war between Austria and Serbia might have been another “summer war,” like most European wars of the previous century. However, the carefully planned alliances soon drew the great powers into the conflict.

15. The Alliance System Leads to War
Russia and France Support Serbia
Germany Marches Through Belgium
Whose Fault?
Germany warns Russia not to Mobilize
Russia pledges support to Russia and mobilizes
Germany declares war on Russia
France, Russia’s ally, declares war on Germany
Germany, fearful of a two front war, come up with Schlieffen Plan-
Germany invades France by swinging through neutral Belgium
GB agrees to defend Belgium and declares war
Whose Fault???

16. The Alliance System Leads to War
To aid its ally Serbia, Russia mobilized its army, including these Cossacks. As World War I began, European armies still sent cavalry units into battle.

17. The Alliance System Leads to War
Analyze Maps How does this map help explain the expansion of World War I from a localized to a global war?

18. Quiz: European Powers Form Alliances
The European nations formed two great alliances because they wanted to
A. promote trade and commerce.
B. create a single, unified government.
C. protect themselves from their enemies.
D. be prepared for the coming of World War I.

19. Quiz: Major Causes of World War I
Imperialism increased tensions in Europe because
A. colonies were threatening to invade Europe.
B. countries built up their military to protect their colonies.
C. colonies were building their own military alliances.
D. emperors needed more soldiers to defend their capital cities.

20. Quiz: The Balkan Powder Keg Explodes
How did Austria’s alliance with Germany affect Austria’s reaction to the assassination of Francis Ferdinand?
A. It prompted Austria to take a firmer stand against Serbia.
B. It prompted Serbia to send Austria an ultimatum.
C. It prompted Austria to go to war with Germany.
D. It prompted Austria to negotiate with Serbia.

21. Quiz: The Alliance System Leads to War
What was the main reason that Britain entered the war?
A. because it was an ally of France
B. because Germany invaded neutral Belgium
C. because it supported Slavic nationalism
D. because Archduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated