1. World War I
Causes

2. M.A.I.N (Acronym for Causes)
Militarism
Alliance
Imperialism
Nationalism

5. Nationalism Definition of Nationalism
Nationalism is an ideology which holds that the
nation, ethnicity or national identity
is a fundamental unit of human social life
Your Country is the Best

9. Nationalism Does it still occur today?
Which countries tend to be more nationalistic?
Which countries are not?

10. Nationalism In the USA Nationalism = Patriotism
How do you feel about the Flag? National Anthem? Red, White and Blue?

11. Nationalism
This concepts motivates European countries to be imperialistic.
Each country wants to show off their might

12. Europe becomes Divided
2 Lose Alliances form
What is an alliance?
Example: TV Show “Survivor”

13. 1st Alliance Known as the Triple Alliance Formed in 1882
The 3 countries were Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy

16. 2nd Alliance Known as the Triple Entente Formed in1907
Countries consisted of France, Great Britain, and Russia

18. Crises Test the Alliances
Conflicts in the Balkans
Between
Tough lessons learned
Those that were willing to fight
Appeared to be stronger

19. Conflicts in the Balkans
Those that were willing to fight
Preserved national honor

20. Conflicts in the Balkans
Those that tried to avoid war
End up being publicly humiliated

21. Brinkmanship
The practice of threatening to go to war to achieve one’s goals
What is the problem with this kind of foreign policy??

22. Brinkmanship
Eventually somebody/ some country is going to call out the other
With this type of foreign policy, Europe was in a very fragile state

23. Militarism
Definition:
Aggressive preparation for war

25. The Growth of Armies
What problems may occur if every country is building up their forces?

26. Conscription Also known as a military draft
This becomes common place in all European countries
Only GB does not have a draft

28. Growing Armies European armies double in size between 1890-1914
Russia grew the largest
1.3 million

29. Growing Armies
Military leaders become very powerful in their countries
They begin drafting elaborate plans
Being able to mobilize millions of men
Stocking up on supplies in case of war

30. Growing Armies
What are the effects if countries are seeing their neighbors engaged in this type of activity?

31. PANIC!!!!

32. Lack of Power
Political Leaders were at the mercy of the Military Leaders
Forced to make decisions that benefited the military

33. Balkans Crisis begins in 1914
Austria-Hungary and Russia struggle to control the new lands
Use to be ruled by the Ottomans

34. Balkans
Russia wanted to create a large, independent Slavic state in the Balkans
Austria-Hungary didn’t want this to happen

35. Balkans This becomes a very touchy area
Europeans saw the writing on the all.
Most felt that it was just a matter of time.

36. British Ambassador’s Thoughts about the Situation
“Serbia will some day set Europe by the ears, and bring about a universal war on the continent….I cannot tell how exasperated the people are getting here at the continual worry which that little country causes to Austria under encouragement from Russia….It will be lucky if Europe succeeds in avoiding war as a result of the present crisis. The next time a Serbian crisis arises,…I feel sure that Austria-Hungary will refuse to admit of any Russian interference in the dispute and that she will proceed to settle her differences with her little neighbor by herself.”

37. Concept of “Powder Keg”

38. What does this mean?

39. Sarajevo June 28, 1914 The Black Hand A Serbian terrorist organization
Wanted to assassinate Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sofia
Wanted Bosnia to be free of Austrian-Hungarian rule

43. Guilt by Association
Leaders of Austria-Hungary concluded that Serbia had something to do with assassination
Believed that Serbia needed to be dealt with severely

44. Austria-Hungary Ultimatum
Serbia had to agree to let Austria-Hungary control them
They were only allowed 48 hours to decide

45. Austria-Hungary Ultimatum
Serbia tried to stall
A/H declared war on July 28th, 1914
They began to mobilize troops
A/H wanted war

46. What about the Germans? Germany gave A/H full support
They called it a “Blank Check”
Ger. Encouraged A/H to be aggressive

47. What about the Germans?
Germany knows that by giving A/H their full support that Russia will get involved
Also realized that France would probably get involved
Hoped that GB would remain neutral

48. What about the Germans? Too late to be diplomatic
Military plans and timetables already set into motion
Troops are mobilized

49. Declaration of War Russia- July 29th
Germany- Invades Belgium on Aug. 2nd
Violates Belgium’s state of neutrality
Germany wanted to pass through Bel. To get to France

50. Declaration of War Great Britain doesn’t like this at all
Now is involved
GB declares war

51. RESULT??

52. WWI