Causes of World War I

In 1914 the six most powerful countries in Europe were divided into two opposing

alliances. Each country was heavily armed and each one had reasons for distrusting

other countries in Europe.

ALLIANCE• Firm military alliance• Oath to support and

help allies when under attack

ENTENTE• A more friendly pact

The Balance of Power

Triple Alliance• Soldiers: 3 760 000• Warships: 145• Submarines: 41

Triple Entente• Soldiers: 3 161 000• Warships: 194• Submarines: 166

Central Powers or Triple Alliance 1882

Germany

To guard against a revenge attack from the French after 1871, Germany formed an alliance with Austria –Hungary and Italy.By 1914 German industry had become second in the world only to that of the USA.The Kaiser felt that Germany should be a world power and should have an overseas empire.

In the 1890s he ordered the building of a large navy and was building a vast army.

Austria HungaryHow to keep this fragmented empire together? Concerns

• Serbia was becoming a powerful force in the Balkans.

• Russia supported the Serbs and had a very strong army.

ItalyThough not a strong industrial or military power, Italy was looking to set up colonies and build up an overseas empire.

Germany and Austria – Hungary did not entirely trust their ally. Their chief concern in signing this wasn’t the support of Italian armies, but to stop Italy attacking them over border issues!

Italy promised to go to war if either was attacked by France. But crucially for Italy, there was a further clause, cancelling the deal if the Triple Alliance members were the aggressor.Shortly after, Italy signed a deal with France, pledging support if Germany attacked them.

The Triple Entente

1907

Britain

• During “splendid isolation” Britain concentrated on its empire.

• France and Russia were its most dangerous rivals.

• In 1904 France and Britain reached agreements about colonies in North Africa.

• Russia was defeated by Japan in 1905 and therefore not so worrying.

• Germany was becoming a serious threat.

France

• The main concerns of France were to protect itself against attack by Germany.

• To get back the industrial regions of Alsace and Lorraine.

RussiaThe largest but the most backward of all the six great European powers.

Russia worried about the growth of Germany. They had always been rivals with Austria – Hungary but friends with Serbia.

After the 1905 war with Japan and the revolution, the Tsar knew he could not afford to lose again and was therefore building a large army.

TENSION BUILDS

• Anglo – German naval rivalry

• Arms race on land• Plans for war

MORE TENSION

Morocco - 1905 Morocco - 1911

The Spark that lit the bonfire1908: Austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Russia and Serbia protested but had to back down when Germany indicated it supported Austria.

1912 – 1913:Local wars. Serbia gained power in the area,

1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand was murdered.