2. WWI German History and Background

3. German Empire - Hohenzollern Wilhelm I – Kaiser – means emperor –Otto Von Bismark – Chancellor – Foreign Minister Actually ran the show Brought Germany into an empire United Germany as 1 country –Previously made up of various states –Ex – Bavaria and Prussia »Prussia – most powerful state »Very Militaristic

4. Franco – Prussian War 1870-1871 War between Germany and France Germany goes around French and defeats them very quickly France signs a humiliating treaty in defeat –France loses Alsace-Lorraine Territory

5. Wilhelm II – Kaiser and Chancellor Takes over for Wilhelm I (Dies) –Gets rid of Otto Von Bismark

6. Germany’s Path Towards War Germany is expanding (Imperialistic) –Trying to compete and match France and England Africa and Pacific Germany is challenging England in Trade –Germany is very industrial minded Germany starts to build a navy –Starts an arms race with Britain Germany forms an alliance with Austria and Italy –Triple Alliance England forms alliance with France and Russia –Triple Entente Entente Cordaile

7. Alliances Triple Alliance –Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy Triple Entente –Great Britain, France, and Russia

8. Causes Balance of Power –Strength of rival is equal –“I got your back if you got mine” Nationalism –Pride in ones’ culture, language, and specific nation Superior to all others –Threatened stability of some nations Ex - Serbia Imperialism –Struggle for territory to become world’s single power Economically, strategically, and religiously –Europe – Small space – not much room for expansion Militarism –Readily available militants –Being able to mobilize quickly

9. Conflicts Assassination –Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary shot in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip Serb Nationalist & Part of the black hand Austria-Hungary had annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina Serbia was next

10. Conflicts Cont. Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia – July 28, 1914 Russia mobilizes its army – Russia has Slavic ties Germany declares war on Russia – Aug 1, 1914 Germany declares war on France – Aug 3, 1914 Great Britain declares war on Germany – Aug 4, 1914 Great War BEGINS!!!!