causes of wwi
TRANSCRIPT
Why did World War I happen?
Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism
Militarism- The building up of military weapons at an advanced rate. An arms race.
In the early 1900s European countries were building up the size of their militaries and creating new deadlier weapons.
New weapons created right before WWI. Tanks Fighter Planes Machine Guns Poison Gas
The newness of these weapons will make WWI the deadliest war in history.
Leading up to WWI European nations formed alliances with each other. Countries in these alliances agreed to defend each other if attacked.
Europe had two competing major alliances. Triple Entente Triple Alliance
The triple entente was an alliance between, Britain, Russia, and France.
This side would become known as the Allies during the war.
• The triple alliance was an alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
• Italy would drop out at the beginning of the war and be replaced by the Ottoman Empire
• This side would be called the Central Powers in the war.
The danger of these alliances was it basically assured that if one European country got in a conflict the rest would have to get involved. This became known as the “domino effect.”
Imperialism- The building up of empires by collecting colonies.
European countries had been building empires around the world for three centuries leading up to WWI. (remember your map)
This led to competition between Europe’s powers (economically and militarily).
Nationalism- Having great pride in your nation and willing to do anything in its name (extreme patriotism).
The powers of Europe had also created great pride amongst their people.
The citizens of these countries wanted their country to be seen as the best.
1) Europe in the period just before WWI has been described as a “ticking time bomb.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
2) How do you think the alliances formed between countries helped ensure a European war would happen?
3) Of the 4 causes of WWI, which do you feel was the most dangerous to peace at the time? Why?