World War I

1914 – 1918 (1919)

Background

Europe has been at peace for 30 years into 1900s

Whole generation that does not know the “reality” of War

Long Term Causes

1. Nationalism Deep feelings for own

country Countries as rivals

Reasons for Rivalries (Nationalism)

Competition for resources Germany challenging

England’s Industrial power

France wants Alsace-Lorraine back from Germany

Austria-Hungary and Russia fight over Balkan region (who want independence)

Long term causes

2. Imperialism Competing for

colonies Dominating a weaker

territory either politically, economically, and/or socially

Long term Causes

3. Militarism Glorifying military

power and keeping standing army (always ready for war)

England is only county in Europe without one at beginning of war

Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany)

Long Term Causes

4. Alliances Meant to keep peace,

but leads to World War

Alliances

Triple Alliance Germany, Austria-

Hungary, Italy Formed to keep France

from getting too powerful

Germany breaks treaty with Russia

Russia aligns with France

Wilhelm builds navy England scared and

joins alliance

Alliances

Triple Entente France, England,

Russia

Immediate Cause

“Powder Keg” of Europe The Balkans

Russia and Austria fight over territory

Austria takes Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia

Immediate Cause (1914)

Archduke Franz Ferdinand (of Austria) tours Sarajevo

Shot and killed by Serbian Gavrilo Princip (Black Hand)

Austria takes it as a sign of Serbian aggression

Germany encourages Austria to declare war on Serbia (promises to help)

Austria’s Ultimatum

To Serbia No more anti-Austrian

activity and other types of harsh demands

Serbia agrees with some

Austria declares war anyway

Russia backs up Serbia

War begins

Powder Keg is lit with the assassination

Alliance system falls apart (new ones form)

World War I becomes largest war ever