History, Culture and Geography

Causes of WWI

Long Term Causes - Nationalism

• Nationalism becomes important (dominance and prestige).

• 1871 Germany and Italy officially become nations – they want to catch up with Britain, France.

• Pride in country based upon # of factories, # of colonies.

• “Rah, Rah my country”.

Long Term Causes - Imperialism

• Nationalism and industrialization tied to colonies.

• Competition for colonies increases tension…see map on next slide!

• European nations military, political, and economic domination of Africa and Asia builds confidence

Why would countries want to “imperialize” or take over others?!

Long Term Causes - Militarism• Between 1870-

1914 European nations increase military spending by 400%

• Many believed war was coming because of competition, began preparing (Arms race)

Short Term Causes (Alliance)

• Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy

• Germany secretly told Austria-Hungary they would support them no matter what happened – called the “blank check”

Short Term Causes (Entente)

• Triple Entente England, France, and Russia – Treaty of Friendship

• France was concerned about Germany’s growing military

• England/Russia was concerned with Germany’s navy