Causes of and the beginning of World War I

What is our definition of nationalism???

Nationalism• Having an intense feeling of pride in one’s

country. The feeling that a specific nation, language, or culture is superior to all others.

• Became a force for unification in Europe and throughout the world– Italy 1840s– Germany 1870s– Balkans early 1900s

Imperialism

• The practice of extending a nation’s power by gaining territories for a colonial empire

• By the late 1800s, Britain was the world’s largest imperial power.– France, Germany, Italy and Russia,

wanted to create similar empires

• Countries struggled over territory in Europe and throughout the world– Tension builds

Militarism

• Definition: the glorification of armed strength• There was a belief that international problems

could be solved through force (i.e. Prussia)• In the late 1800s European nations built large

armies– One nation would mobilize – ready army and other

resources for combat

– Other nations would do the same to “keep up”

Militarism (continued)

• Armies grew larger as each nation did not want to be weaker than its enemies– Example of the balance of power

• Spending for weapons and fortification of national boundaries multiplied

Military Preparedness

• Large portion of population received military training

• Stockpiles of weapons being created to prepare for conflict escalation of arms race

• Larger amounts of national treasuries were being directed towards military expenditures

What does militarism mean?

a) Having a big army

b) Glorification of armed strength

c) Military training for a country’s population

d) Solving problems by force

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Alliances• Balance of power – a situation in which the

strength of rival countries or alliances is nearly equal– Cause of alliance systems prior to WWI

• 3 Emperor’s League – secret agreement of neutrality between France, Austria-Hungary, and Russia– Persuaded Italy to align with Germany and Austria-

Hungary

• Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy– Isolated France

Alliances (continued)• 3 Emperor’s League ended Russia and

Austria were rivals

• Otto von Bismarck created Reinsurance Treaty – neutrality w/ Russia again

• Great Britain and Russia recognize each others spheres of influence and form an alliance

• Triple Entente – Britain, Russia, France

Alliances (continued)• Central Powers – Germany, Austria-

Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire

• Allied Powers – France, Russia, Britain, Italy, and their allies (included U.S.)

What was the agreement for the 3 Emperor’s League?

a) Protect each other if attacked

b) Help each other build arms

c) Neutrality

d) Loan each other money in crises

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Britain, Russia, France and their allies formed what alliance?

a) Triple Entente

b) Central Powers

c) Triple Alliance

d) Allied Powers

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Causes of World War I• Serbia wanted to increase size by

annexing Bosnia-Herzegovina– Russia supported Serbia

• Pan-Slavism – political and cultural unity of all Slavs under Russian leadership

• Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Francis Ferdinand assassinated by a Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip **“spark” that started WWI**

• Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia – July 28, 1914

Black Hand Symbol

Causes of World War I (continued)

• Russia backs Serbia and mobilizes troops to Austro-Hungarian border

• Germany issues ultimatum on Russia to retreat– August 1st - Germany declares war on Russia

– August 3rd - Afraid that France would side with Russia, Germany declares war on France

• August 3rd - Britain declares war on Germany after Germany invaded Belgium

What can be considered the “spark” that lead to WWI?

a) Serbia’s desire for Bosnia-Herzegovina

b) Russia mobilizing troops to Austro-Hungarian border

c) Germany’s ultimatum on Russia

d) Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

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Schlieffen Plan – rapid two-pronged attack on France

1st Battle of the Marne (September 1914)

• German Army was within 25 miles of Paris

• French Troops launched a counterattack at the Marne River

• Germans retreated – abandoned Schlieffen Plan

• Trench Warfare ensues• 500,000+ French and

Germans killed or wounded

Battle of Verdun (February 1916- December 1916)

• French Verdun- town with Forts

• German would advance and try to “bleed” France to death- French drove Germans back

• Longest WWI battle• Over 250,000 killed

500,000 wounded• Verdun showed the French

determination as shown by the sacrifice of its defenders

Battle of the Somme (July 1 to November 18- 1916)

• Chief Ally attack• Goals- kill soldiers,

gain territory, draw German’s away from Verdun

• 19,240 British killed on first day (British record)

Innovations of Warfare

• Machine gun – lead to trench warfare to avoid rapid fire

• Tank – British invention, allowed them to tear through barbed wire

• Airplane – used to observe troop movements– Sometimes used for dogfights and bombings

Innovations of Warfare (continued)

• Submarines – Germans used U-Boats (underwater boat)

• Poison gas – used by Germans• Total war – nation turns all resources to aid

war effort• Propaganda – ideas, facts, rumors spread

deliberately to further one’s cause or damage an opponent

Discussion Question

Do you think World War I was inevitable? Why or why not?

Write down your thoughts and ideas to share with the class!!!