1. Do you think there are valid reasons for a nation to go to war
Do you think there are valid reasons for a nation to go to war? Consider the reasons that were applicable to World War I, listed below. Which of these do you think are good and valid reasons to go to war? Which are not? Why do you think so?
To protect your homeland from invasion
To defend people in a peaceful, neutral country
To fulfill obligations arising from international alliances
To make your country military or economically stronger than other countries
To gain power and territorial outposts in other parts of the world
To secure natural resources vital to your nation’s economy
To help end a war and to prevent future wars

2. MAIN Causes of World War I

3. M: Militarism
A: Alliances
I: Imperialism
N: Nationalism

4. MILITARISM
Definition: When a nation makes the military and army the most important part of a state, leading to huge armies and weapons
How it caused WWI: Every nation was ready for a huge war, and eager to flex their muscles in war.
Example: Every country, especially Germany, built huge armies leading up to war.

5. ALLIANCES
Definition: Partnerships between different countries to protect each other in case they are attacked
Why were alliances created?
“Mutual defense”
How it caused WWI: A small conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary turned into a huge war involving all of Europe
Examples:
Triple Entente (England, France, Russia)
Triple Alliance (Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy)

6. IMPERIALISM
Definition: When a powerful, industrialized country takes over and rules a weaker country for its resources and wealth
How it caused WWI: Led to competition and conflict between the great European nations

7. NATIONALISM
Definition: Extreme patriotism and pride in one’s country, making people do anything (especially go to war) to help their nation
Example: France was very eager to gain revenge and defeat Germany after losing to them in war in 1871
Example: Germans believed they were destined to conquer all of Europe by war.

8. M: Militarism
A: Alliances
I: Imperialism
N: Nationalism

9. “THE POWDER KEG”
Europe was like a “powder keg,” ready to explode and create widespread chaos and destruction.
June 28, 1914: Gavrilo Princip (Serbian) kills Archduke Franz Ferdinand (next king of Austria-Hungary) to try to gain independence

10. Video