1. Causesof World War I

2. World War I – Causes
Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism

3. 1. Militarism
Countries increased the size and strength of their military to protect their colonies and prove their military power (justified by Social Darwinism)
Naval rivalry between Germany and Britain
France extended mandatory military service
Russia’s military spending was doubled

4. 2. Alliances
Alliance – Two or more countries agree to aid each other in time of war.
Before the war secret alliances were formed
Triple Alliance – 1882
Italy, Austria-Hungary, Germany
Triple Entente – 1894
France, Russia, Britain

5. Alliance System After the War Started
Major powers bound together, making it impossible to solve problems peacefully
War spread quickly across Europe
Alliance System After the War Started
Central Powers
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire
Allied Powers
Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Romania, Greece, U.S.

6. Europe Alliances

7. 3. Imperialism
Countries were trying to become the most dominant imperial power
Competing for colonies caused conflict and disputes over land, new markets, and raw materials.
France and Germany especially competitive with each other

8. 4. Nationalism
Nationalism or “extreme patriotism” caused the desire to grow and repress other nations and people.
Nationalism also led to a desire for independence for many ethnic groups

9. French Nationalists German Nationalists Russian Nationalists
Want to regain power in Europe
Bitter over loss to Germany in Franco-Prussian war (want revenge)
German Nationalists
Proud of recent industrialization and desire to expand empire
Russian Nationalists
Support the creation of a Slavic state (a larger Serbia)