1. Why was Europe ready for War?
Long-term Causes of the War
Nationalism
Militarism
Devotion and loyalty to one’s nation
Importance of the armed forces in the administration or strategy of a nation
Austria-Hungary had Slavic minorities who wanted independence
Serbia and Russia both tried to influence Slavs inside Austria-Hungary
Germany became unified and was seeking greater status
France had lost Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and wanted it back
French and German armies were in arms race – more soldiers, stronger weapons
Germany wanted a powerful navy, while England wanted to remain the dominant sea power
Schlieffen Plan: German plan to invade France through Belgium to avoid a two-front war (i.e., vs. Russia and France)
Facts
Instability
Bitterness
Armies were ready to go to war at short notice
Leaders viewed war as a reasonable strategy – didn’t look for diplomatic solutions
Implications
Why was Europe ready for War?
Alliances
Imperialism
Agreements among nations to support each other
When one country takes over and rules other countries
Facts
Some countries promised to go to war to defend allied countries
England and France had many overseas empires near each other
England wanted to keep France and Russia happy to protect her colonies
Germany was a late-comer with only small African colonies and wanted a larger share
Events in one country could lead several others to go to war
Potential for tensions in colonies to lead to European wars
England wanted to keep France & Russia happy to protect her colonies
Bitterness: Germany discontented with its position
Implications
Short-Term Cause: Franz Ferdinand of Austria assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914; Austria blamed Serbia and declared war

2. Why was Europe ready for War?
Long-term Causes of the War
Nationalism
Militarism
Definitions
Facts
Implications

3. Why was Europe ready for War?
Long-term Causes of the War
Alliances
Imperialism
Definitions
Facts
Implications
Short-Term Cause: