1. Main Causes of World War I (Ch. 13, Sec. 1)

2. What were the Long Term causes of WWI?
Nationalism (deep devotion to one’s own nation) fueled imperialism & led to militarism
Militarism led to an arms race (Germany-naval) & the buildup of large armies in the 1890’s
Imperialism led to competition for new markets, raw materials, colonies, & European territory
Germany battled France for control of N. Africa / Russia & Austria-Hungary fought for influence over the Balkans

4. What were the Long Term causes of WWI? (cont’d)
In 1907, defensive alliances set stage for WWI / Europe divided into two camps
Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, , Ottoman Empire & Bulgaria
The Allies were France, Britain, & Russia, later Italy, Japan, and United States joined
By 1914, tensions were mounting in Europe as Balkan Peninsula (“powder keg” of Europe) began to heat up

6. Why was the Balkan region known as “The Powder Keg” of Europe?
Balkan Peninsula had seen more than 400 years of constant ethnic & political conflict
Following the Balkan Wars of , Serbia doubled the size of its territory
Russia, a mainly Slavic country, supported Serbian (also mostly Slavic) expansion in the Balkans
Austria-Hungary wanted to control the Balkans & were upset when Serbia doubled its size

8. What were the Short Term causes of WWI?
Archduke Ferdinand (Austria-Hungary) was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip/Black Hand
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and Russia began to mobilize to aid Serbia
Germany (an ally of Austria-Hungary) declared war on Russia & France (Russia’s ally)
Germany invaded France through Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany & Austria-Hungary