1. World War I
Prelude to a War

2. Major Causes of War Nationalism:
Tensions over rise of unified Germany and Italy
Tensions in the Balkans over ethnic nationalism
Primarily in Serbia while it was trying to break free of Austria-Hungary

3. Major Causes of War Imperialism:
Creates an increased sense of rivalry and bad feelings among the major powers of Europe
Countries like Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia saw themselves as imperial powers and they could not let the other countries become powers

4. Major Causes of War
Militarism: This is a massive build-up of military power
Caused by a desire to protect their overseas colonies from other nations
Countries like England and France already had large modern armies, but emergence of German military power created issues
This tension led to nervousness among Europeans and could quickly become armed conflict

5. Major Causes of War
Alliances: These are partnerships among nations for mutual defense
Two major alliances formed in Europe:
Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
Triple Entente – France, Russia, Great Britain (England)
Leaders felt that alliances would lead to peace because no nation would attack another knowing that other nations would get involved

6. Major Causes of War How do each of these contribute to war?
Militarism = larger and more complex militaries cause issues in Europe
Nationalism = pride in country leads to people supporting all actions of their nation and government
Imperialism = competition to become the greatest global power causes a hatred among countries of Europe
Alliances = by teaming up nations you ensure that the conflict will be widespread and have a greater potential of occurring

7. War Begins
June 28, 1914 – Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in Bosnian city of Sarajevo
His wife Sophie was also killed with him
Princip was member of a Serbian nationalist group called “Black Hand”
Austria-Hungary decided to use this as a way to punish Serbia
July 28, 1914 – war declared by Austria-Hungary on Serbia

8. War Begins
August 1, 1914 – Russia mobilizes military against Austria-Hungary
August 1, 1914 – Germany declares war on Russia
August 1, 1914 – Germany and Ottoman Empire make a treaty
August 3, 1914 – Germany declares war on France
August 3, 1914 – Belgium stays neutral – will not allow Germany to enter – Germany invades Belgium

9. War Begins August 4, 1914 – Great Britain declares war on Germany
August 6, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia
August 6, 1914 – Serbia declares war on Germany

10. Sides Chosen in War Central Powers: Allied Powers: Germany
Austria-Hungary
Ottoman Empire
Allied Powers:
Great Britain
France
Russia
Serbia

11. Questions for Power Point
What are the four major causes of World War I? Why do each of these play a role?
What event leads to armed conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia?
Who is Gavrilo Princip? What group was he a member of? What type of group was this?
Who was the first to mobilize against Austria-Hungary on the side of Serbia?

12. Questions for Power Point
When does Germany enter the war? When does France enter the war? When does Great Britain enter the war?
Which country got invaded for not letting Germany through to invade France?
Who were the members of Central Powers?
Who were the members of the Allied Powers?