1. The Causes of the First World War
Long-Term Causes
EMPIRES
Why did the countries of Europe want big empires?
Where was there a scramble for territory between 1870 and 1900?
How might competition for Empires help to start a war?
ARMS RACE
What was a Dreadnought?
Which country tried to build more battle ships than Britain?
How might an arms race help to start a war?

2. The Causes of the First World War
Long-Term Causes
ARMS RACE
What was a Dreadnought?
Which country tried to build more battle ships than Britain?
How might an arms race help to start a war?
ALLIANCES
Which countries were in the Triple Entente?
Which countries were in the Triple Alliance?
How might alliances help to start a war?

3. The Causes of the First World War
Short-Term Cause
ASSASSINATION OF ARCHDUKE FRANZ FERDINAND
EMPIRES
ARMS RACE
ALLIANCES

4. The Causes of the First World War
On June 28th 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand visited Sarajevo with his wife. On his way from the station to the town hall a grenade was thrown at his car. It missed, but the explosion wounded an officer in the car behind. The Archduke decided to change his programme so he could visit the officer in hospital. Unfortunately, his driver did not know the way and took a wrong turn. One of the assassins from earlier in the day, Gavrilo Princip, just happened to be walking by. He stepped up to the car and fired a revolver, killing the Archduke and his wife. The Archduke was murdered because Bosnia wanted independence from Austria. Gavrilo Princip was from Serbia who wished to unite with Bosnia instead. The Austrians, therefore, blamed Serbia for the death and decided they must be punished.

5. The Causes of the First World War
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Austria blames Serbia
Serbia calls on Russia for help
Austria turns to Germany for help
THE FIRST WORLD WAR HAS BEGUN
Britain declares war on Germany
German troops march into Belgium
France begins to mobilise
Who was to blame for the First World War?