1. Prelude to War

2. Nationalism and the System of Alliances
In the 1800’s the European nations hoped to live in peace.
Imperial states became highly competitive over trade and colonies
Two Main Alliances divided Europe
Triple Alliance
Triple Entente

3. Alliances Triple Alliance Triple Entente Germany Austria-Hungary Italy
Great Britain
France
Russia

4. Crisis Created a great deal of anger Ethnic Groups
Each nation was willing to go to war to keep its power
Ethnic Groups
Slavs – Balkans
Irish – Great Britain
Each Group wanted their own state
Increased tension in Europe

5. Question Break
How did the growth of nation-states lead to increased competition and tension in Europe?
Nations become focused on their own self-interest
Leads to competition, Imperialism leads to rivalries for trade and colonies.
Alliances were formed to preserve their power and that of their allies

6. Internal Dissent Socialist labor movement became more powerful
Strikes to achieve their goals
Socialism
a way of organizi ng a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government rather than by individual people and companies
Revolutions were feared by nations, willing to go to war to stop

7. Militarism After 1900 huge increase in European armies
Increased tension between nations
Conscription – compulsory (required) service in military
Common in Europe between

8. EUROPEAN ARMIES DOUBLED IN SIZE
Military Growth
Russia – 1.3 million
France – 900,000
Germany – 900,000
Britain
Italy , ,000
Austria-Hungary
EUROPEAN ARMIES DOUBLED IN SIZE

9. Militarism
Prior to 1914 European Nations aggressively prepared for war
Led to the increased power of military leaders and complex war plans
Powerful military leaders didn’t want to alter their plans because of this political leaders had limited choice in time of crisis

10. Question Break
What were three effects of increased militarism in Europe during the early 1900’s
Size of armies doubled between
Countries focused on preparations for war
Military leaders become more powerful and had more control over political decisions

11. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Militarism, Nationalism and internal control all played a part in the war.
Fighting breaks out because of events in the Balkans in 1914
Southern European states long struggled for independence from the Ottoman Empire

12. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Russia and Austria-Hungary competed for control of the new states.
1914 – Serbia wanted to form a new large Slavic state.
Serbia was supported by Russia and opposed by Austria-Hungary
Many feared that this conflict would lead to war

13. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Archduke Francis Ferdinand and Wife were killed by Serbian terrorist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo
Terrorist wanted Bosnia to be free from Austria-Hungary
Austrian-Hungary wanted to declare war on Serbia but was worried about Russia coming to Serbia’s aid.

14. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Austria-Hungary asked for help from German Allies
Germany pledges full support and Austria-Hungary declares war in July 1914 on Serbia
Russia supporting Serbia ordered mobilization of Russian Army. This mobilization is seen as act of war by Austria-Hungary and Germany

15. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Germans warn Russians to stop mobilization, Russians Refuse.
Germany declared war on Russia on Aug. 1st 1914
Schlieffen Plan
Plan to defeat France first then Russia with full force designed by Alfred von Schlieffen. Remember Russia and France were Allies. (Pre-Planned)
Germany declares war on France on Aug. 3rd

16. The Outbreak of War: Summer 1914
Germany demanded that Belgium allow German armies to pass through to France
Britain allied with France and Russia declared war on Germany
By August 4th 1914, World War I had begun

17. Ending Question
How did the Alliances in Europe contribute to the progression of events that lead to World War I?