1. World War I 12.0
Why it Happened

2. The Causes of World War I
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism
= MAIN

3. Militarism The glorification of military strength by a country
Leads to huge buildup in armies, fortification of boundaries, and start of an Arms Race
Germany expands army and navy to compete w/ Britain
Britain expands Navy as result.

4. Alliances
Formed by European countries during this time of militarism promising to aid one another in case of an attack
Creates armored camps w/ nations committed to go to war to defend allies

5. Alliances Triple Alliance –1882 Triple Entente – 1907
Germany, Austria, and Italy
Italy would later switch sides
Triple Entente – 1907
France, Russia, and Great Britain
Britain promised Belgium neutrality

6. Imperialism Extending power outside a countries borders - colonies
Early 1900’s -Competition of empires
Britain owned lands on five continents
France controlled large areas of Africa
Germany entered colonization late

7. Nationalism Pride in one’s country
Or…national independence of a culture instead of rule by a foreign power
Ex: Serbia

8. World War I - Background
The Participants…

9. Italy & Germany Become Nations
Italy broke free from Austrian rule and became an independent nation
1870s –
Otto von Bismarck unifies the German states into a single nation = Powerful Militarized
Nation in central Europe

10. Bismarck’s Alliance System
Germany – great military power
Needed to protect Germany from enemies – France

11. The Balkans Located in Central Europe The “Powder Keg” of Europe
Very strong spirit of nationalism
Many different ethnicities

12. The Balkans Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Ruled the Balkans
1400s – 1800s
Throughout the 1800s the major ethnic groups of the Balkans fought for their independence

13. The Greeks
Revolted in 1820
Gained independence

14. The Romanians
Revolted in 1859
Gained independence

15. Slavic Countries
Revolted after war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia
Bulgarians, Montenegrins, Serbs gain independence

16. Russia Balkans – ethnically Slav
Russia sees herself as protector of the Slavs
Genuine attachment
= chief ally
Russia – having trouble with Revolutionaries (Lenin)
= sees war as way to re-establish order

17. Bosnia & Herzegovina Occupied by Austria-Hungary
Serbia had just gained independence
Saw Bosnia as its rightful territory

18. Bosnia & Herzegovina Created open hostility w Slavs
1908 –
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia
Created open hostility w Slavs
The “Powder Keg” becomes unstable – going to Blow Up!!!