1. World Context 1850- 1914

2. Before we understand the Great War, we must first look at certain changes in world context related to the industrial revolution. We will study 4 key issues in the time period that will become the underlying causes of the Great War. Before we understand the Great War, we must first look at certain changes in world context related to the industrial revolution. We will study 4 key issues in the time period that will become the underlying causes of the Great War.

3. World Context 1850-1914 1. Nationalism / Imperialism 2. Industrialization 3. Militarism 4. Political/Military Alliances M.A.I.N. M.A.I.N.

4. World Context 1850-1914 Nationalism: Nationalism: Love and pride in your nation. Pressures of Nationalism Pressures of Nationalism a) Unification b) Division

5. World Context 1850-1914 Nationalism A) Unification: Germany, USA, Canada In all cases, except for Canada, these countries had one language for nationhood. Canada has two languages = one nation.

6. World Context 1850-1914 Nationalism B) Division: Ottoman Empire, Austrian Empire and Russian Empire had different nationalist groups encouraging one country. B) Division: Ottoman Empire, Austrian Empire and Russian Empire had different nationalist groups encouraging one country. Frustration grew within these empires due to many nationalist factions. Frustration grew within these empires due to many nationalist factions. Ottoman Empire: Serbs, Bulgarian, Romanian, Albanian Ottoman Empire: Serbs, Bulgarian, Romanian, Albanian Austrian Empire: Serbs, Croatians, Slovenians, Poles Austrian Empire: Serbs, Croatians, Slovenians, Poles Russian Empire: Poles, German, Finns Russian Empire: Poles, German, Finns

7. World Context 1850-1914 Imperialism: A nation wanted to create and maintain an empire Reasoning: 1. Superiority of the European Nations(social Darwinism) 2. Need for resources(driving industry) 3. Imitate the British Empire(wealthiest, most racial motivated empire on Earth)

8. World Context 1850-1914 ImperialismResults: Africa was the target for Britain, Germany, France for new colonies 1875-1900. Austria-Hungary and Russia looked to an area known as the Balkans in the southeastern Europe. Spreading the industrial and imperial competition amongst these nations. Africa was the target for Britain, Germany, France for new colonies 1875-1900. Austria-Hungary and Russia looked to an area known as the Balkans in the southeastern Europe. Spreading the industrial and imperial competition amongst these nations. Millions of non-Europeans had to answer the call in the time of war in support of their mother country or empire for being subjects to that imperial nation. Millions of non-Europeans had to answer the call in the time of war in support of their mother country or empire for being subjects to that imperial nation.

9. Industrialization Economic Rivalry : Economic Rivalry : Great Britain was the most powerful, industrialized nation with many countries competing with her – Germany and USA for example. This was healthy economic competition but politically was a source great tension. Germany and Britain became great rivals with Germany(1871) quickly catching the Brits in industry and wishing to challenge her on the open seas in a naval arms race. Results: an arms race (build up of weapons and men) between Britain and Germany. Britain becoming closer with Germany’s enemies(France). Results: an arms race (build up of weapons and men) between Britain and Germany. Britain becoming closer with Germany’s enemies(France).

10. Militarism European nations were building up their military numbers, creating an arms race and adding tension to a growing possibility for war in Europe. Britain and Germany were the greatest of rivals, using industrial might to mass produce weaponry and navies as well as new innovations in weapons to get ahead. European nations were building up their military numbers, creating an arms race and adding tension to a growing possibility for war in Europe. Britain and Germany were the greatest of rivals, using industrial might to mass produce weaponry and navies as well as new innovations in weapons to get ahead. This put enormous pressure on the empire in helping win the race for military bragging rights. This put enormous pressure on the empire in helping win the race for military bragging rights. Example – Dreadnoughts (battleships) Britain 27 vs Germany 13 Example – Dreadnoughts (battleships) Britain 27 vs Germany 13

11. Political/Military Alliances Triple Alliance versus Germany Germany Austria-Hungary Austria-Hungary Italy Italy Italy will eventually leave this alliance during WWI. Italy will eventually leave this alliance during WWI. Germany had defeated France in a war in 1870 (bad blood), Germany had defeated France in a war in 1870 (bad blood), A.-H. in competition with Russia for the Balkan region. A.-H. in competition with Russia for the Balkan region. Triple Entente Britain Britain France France Russia Russia Counter-measure to Germany’s alliance with A.-H. Counter-measure to Germany’s alliance with A.-H. This alliance allowed for a surrounding of Germany and A.-H. This alliance allowed for a surrounding of Germany and A.-H.

12. World Context 1850-1914 Conclusion – M.A.I.N M.A.I.N. (militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism) serve as the underlying causes of the First World War. These issues in combination with others will erupt into the greatest conflict the world had ever seen (WWII will change this). This war will change the course of human history….. The Great War (WWI) 1914-1918 The Great War (WWI) 1914-1918