1. The Road To War 1914

2. Causes of World War 1 1.Emergence of Germany as a major power  1900 Most German speaking people are united under one nation – Germany  Wish to be recognized as a world power  Wants colonies and territory

3. Causes of World War 1 2.Imperialism (Clash of Empires)  The Act of empire building  Britain, France, Spain and Portugal have many colonies = big Empires  Germany wants an empire too

4. Causes of World War 1 3.Naval / Arms Race  Britain had the largest Navy – to protect its empire  Germany wanted a navy too, to acquire colonies and then protect them  Britain saw Germany’s naval growth as a direct threat!!!

5. Causes of World War 1 4.Nationalism  Pride in one’s country  Citizens were prepared to do anything for their nation – even go to war

6. 5. The Alliances of WWI

7. Causes of World War 1 6. The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand  Austrian heir, Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are killed by a Serbian terrorist group, the Black Hand, in Sarajevo, Bosnia – a state within the Austro- Hungarian Empire

8. The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued……  Black Hand – Serbian Nationalist Terrorist group.  Resent being a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire  Serbia historically closer to Russia not Austria-Hungary  Kill the A-H heir

9. The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued…… Summer 1914 Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated at Sarajevo June 28 July 23 July 25 July 28 Austria sends ultimatum (list of demands) to Serbia Serbia replies, rejecting them Austria invades Serbia July 29 Russia mobilizes Alliances kick in

10. The SPARK - the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand Continued…… Summer 1914 - continued July 29 - Russia mobilizes army along borders with Austria and Germany - Germany declares war on Russia August 3- France mobilizes forces to assist Russia - Germany declares war on France August 4 - 5 Germany invades Belgium as a way to get to France Britain declares war on Germany – protecting Belgium Canada and the British Empire are at war

11. World War 1 Begins  The Schlieffen Plan http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/animations/wes tern_front/index_embed.shtml  Designed to prevent a war on two fronts  Take France in 6 weeks, by surprise by going through Belgium  Once France falls, move troops east to fight Russia

12. World War 1 Begins  Schlieffen Plan – Why it Failed! 1.Belgium had a treaty with Britain, France and Germany guaranteeing its neutrality 2.German Generals altered the plan causing German troops to turn south towards Paris earlier than originally planned Britain objected when Germany invaded Belgium This was their reason to go to war German troops encountered both French troops moving out of Paris and British from the Channel ports

13. World War 1 Begins  German advance was halted on the Marne River – both sides “dug-in” extensive trench systems protected by artillery and machine guns