1. Main Causes of World War I (Ch. 13, Sec. 1) Part 1
1. 40 Years of Peace in Europe
2. Long Term Causes of WWI
3. Alliance System Led to a World War

2. How did Europe achieve a 40 year period of relative peace?
At the turn of the 20th century, Europe had been at peace since 1870 (Franco-Prussian War)
Hundreds of peace organizations promoted an end to war & permanent peace in Europe
Countries regularly met in peace congresses between 1843 and 1907 to promote peace
Many Europeans believed that technological progress & world cooperation had made war unnecessary

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5. 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

7. How did the alliance system contribute to WWI?
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

8. Main Causes of World War I (Ch. 13, Sec. 1) Part 2
1. The Powder Keg of Europe
2. Archduke Ferdinand Assassinated in Bosnia
3. Austria-Hungary Declared War on Serbia

9. 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

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12. What happened in Bosnia that stirred the winds of war?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand & his wife Sophie were riding in a parade in Sarajevo, Bosnia
Archduke Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne
Ferdinand & his wife were both assassinated at point blank range by Gavrilo Princip
Princip, a Serbian nationalist, was a member of the Black Hand (a secret society against Austrian rule of Bosnia)

13. How did the assassination lead to a world war?
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia after Serbia could not meet their demands
Russia began to mobilize its army along the borders of Austria-Hungary & Germany to aid Serbia
Germany (an ally of Austria-Hungary) declared war on Russia & France (Russia’s ally)
Germany invaded France through Belgium, and Britain declared war on Germany & Austria-Hungary