1. The Causes of WWI
US History II

2. 1) Nationalism Uniting through culture, language, etc.
Forming a national Identity
Goals of the country take precedence over individual goals

3. Bosnia & Serbia The Balkans “the powder keg of Europe”
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia
Serbia is upset because of the Serbs living in Bosnia
Ethnic tension / pride

4. 2) Imperialism European nations looking to expand through colonies
Natural resources

5. 3) Militarism
All European nations except Great Britain have peacetime military conscription
Large military buildup
Russia alone had 8 million soldiers

6. 4) Mutual Defense Agreements
Triple Alliance – Central Powers:
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire
Triple Entente – Allies:
Russia, France, Great Britain

7. Assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand
Heir to throne of Austria-Hungry
Killed by Serbian Nationalist Gavrilo Princap
The Black Hand: Terrorist Organization
Austria gives Belgrade ultimatum declaration of war (Effect?)
Germany supports Austria-Hungry
Russia supports Serbia
Germany declares war on Russia
Once war is declared all alliances follow – World War I begins!