WWI CAUSES

M A I N

Militarism

Policy of building up military forces and weapons (threatening armed aggression) Naval race taking place between Britain and Germany in the

first decade of the 20th century which increased the danger of war

Britain has a strong navy (“ruled the waves” - largest fleet of ships in the world – followed the general rule that its fleet would be 10% larger than the combination of the next two strongest nations)

Britain had the dreadnought, a heavily armed battleship that travels 37km/hr. Britain had 29 by 1914

Why? To protect British Isles and colonies

Militarism cont’d Germany had been growing in strength since

the mid 19th century (defeated Austria-Hungary and France) and was also gaining in strength as a result of rapid industrialization

German leader, Kaiser Wilhelm, wants to expand Germany beyond European border by acquiring colonies.

This requires building its own fleet built 17 by 1914 almost rivaling Britain

Alliances Old alliances are shifting Triple Entente – England, France, and Russia

(a response to the rise in power of Germany). Agreed if any member of the alliance was attacked, the other countries would aid

Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Imperialism

“The extension of one nation’s authority or control over other lands by economic, political, or military means.” These other lands became colonies.

The British empire was impressive – 25% of the world flew under the Union Jack, largely the result of its strong nation

Advantages of imperialism – i) economic – colonies provide raw materials, mother country takes these raw material for their industries and exports manufactured goods

Imperialism

Many European countries had colonies: France – North Africa, Indochina Portugal – East Indies Belgium – Africa Germany – started late, have a few

colonies in Africa, wants more and shows some aggression in Africa

Imperialism – Africa 1913

Nationalism

Nationalism – strong sense of pride in one’s country, belief country is destined for greatness and superior to others

Nationalism

Late 19th and early 20th centuries a period of rising nationalism

European countries want the biggest armies and navies and most colonies

Nationalism

Germany jealous of Britain’s power and believed Britain

was purposely restricting it from expanding (taking over colonies) and becoming more powerful Believed Germany was the natural leader of

Europe, it had a strong economy (industrialization) and powerful army

Anticipating war and developing plans

Nationalism

France Was suspicious of Britain and had a strained

relationship (fought wars in the past, colonies bordered each other), believed Britain was arrogant

Tense relationship with Germany as well (Germany defeated France in the Franco-Prussian war 1870) Lost two provinces (Alsace and Lorraine) and wanted

revenge Like Germany anticipating war and developing

military plans

Nationalism

Russia Size was intimidating but weak, corrupt

leadership Wanted to prove its power and strength by

expanding borders in Asia Defended fellow Slavs and warned Austria not

to interfere in slavic states Seeking alliance with Britain

Nationalism

Other Powers Italy

a recent independent state, believed it was destined for greatness and resented the power of Britain and France, especially when trying to establish its own colonies

Austria-Hungary Many groups wanted to be independent from

Austria (Czechs, Slavic minorities) and Austria wants to ally with Germany to deal with these challenges

The SparkAssassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Tension in Balkan states Serbia and Bosnia had broken away from Turkey

Bosnia was immediately taken over by Austia-Hungary Serbian became an independent state –looked for an

alliance with Russia. Russia swore it would stand by Serbia in time of need

Serbian nationalists were unhappy that Bosnia had been taken over by Austria-Hungary and want Bosnia to be part of Serbia

**Note Austria-Hungary in alliance with Germany (Triple Alliance) while Russia was allied with Britain and France (Triple Entente)

The Spark

The Spark

Crown prince of Austria, Archduke France Ferdinand, and his wife, Countess Sophia, visited Sarajevo (capital city of Bosnia), to inspect troops there.

Young Serbian conspirators planned to assassinate the Prince.

http://www.history.com/videos/causes-of-world-war-i#causes-of-world-war-i

The Spark

After the Archduke was assassinated, Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia

Russia, as an ally of Serbia, declared war on Austria-Hungary

Germany, as an ally of Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia

Germany, knowing that France was an ally of Russia, began to attack France

WWI had Begun!!!