The Great War

The War to End All Wars

Europe’s War (at 1st)

WWI would last from 1914 – 1919

9 million civilians

and soldiers

would die

Militarism1.The buildup

of a country’s

army or navy

Countries wanted the strongest

army & navyFor example: Germany

1890

Kaiser William II

I want to prove

Germany’s strength!

Kaiser William II’s militaristic qualities may

have developed because of his

crippled left arm.

He may have become a warrior to

prove himself

equal to his grandfather,

William I.

Germany started

building a strong navy

What would other countries do in response to Germany’sactions?

Great Britain enlarged its

Navy & sought allies

Alliances

Mutual defense treaties

2.

Triple Entente (Allies): GB, France, &

Russia

There were Ententes (Friendly

understandings)

Triple Alliance (Central Powers):

Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Ottoman

Empire

Is there a problem making alliances

with other countries?

Because of these alliances, a war

with ANY 2 would bring ALL of

Europe to war!

Imperialism

Competition for colonies to increase political and

economic power.

3.

Nationalism4.Pride and love for one’s country or

people

Ethnic groups were divided

up by borders.

Ex: Serbia – Slavic Bosnia – Slavic Russia – Slavic

The spark that started WWI...

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Visiting the Capital of Bosnia: Sarajevo:

Heir to throne in Austria-Hungary

Sophie

Bosnia was controlled by Austria

But most Bosnians were Serbs who wanted to be part of Serbia…NOT A-H

Sarajevo

June 28, 1914

Both killed by Gavrilo Princip, member of the Black Hand, a

secret society of Slavic extremists