What Caused

World War I?

Caused majority ethnic groups to discriminate against minority ethnic groups within their nation

Territorial disputes ◦ExamplesAlsace-LorraineBalkan Wars

Nationalism

Nations in Europe - 1914

Smaller ethnic groups within large empires, such as the Serbs in Austria-Hungary, were trying to gain their independence

Long-standing rivalry between Aus-Hung. & Russia, the “protector of the Slavs”

Destabilization of Old Empires

Ethnic Groups in Europe - 1914

The Balka

n Regio

n Today

Competition for land, resources and locations for naval bases◦Over 60 years!

“Have Nations” ~ Britain, France, Russia

“Have Nots” ~ Germany & Austria Hungary

Imperialism

Glorification of the military = Arms race◦Protect growing empires◦Display national pride

Not so much a question of ‘if’ a war would take place, but ‘when’

Military plans made well before the war started

**Chart on page 283**

Spirit of Militarism

Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia

Triple Alliance : Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and German

Secret treaties◦“Blank Check” from Germany to Aus-Hung.

◦One goes to war, they all go to war

Entangling Alliances

“Survival of the Fittest” theory newly applied to nations

Social Darwinism

Austria-Hungarian Empire and Ottoman Empire in danger of crumbling

European nations greedy for landGermany becoming a threat◦equally as rich as Britain◦caught up in industry◦biggest army in Europe

Change in Balance of Power

Europe was a powder

keg waiting to explode into war…

NATIONALISM!! Caused increased competition & heightened rivalry amongst powerful nations◦Super-patriotism◦Race for land/resources◦Arms race◦Destabilization of old empires

What’s the Biggest Cause?

What was the ‘spark’ that finally set it off!?!?

If Archduke Franz Ferdinand had not been assassinated, do you think WWI

would have happened?

Why did nations join World War I?Country Allied With Reasons for Entering

Austria-Hungary Germany Wanted to punish Serbia for encouraging

terrorism

Germany Austria-Hungary Stood by its one dependable ally, A-H

Serbia Russia Attacked by A-H after assassination of

Ferdinand

Russia Serbia, France, Britain Wanted to defend Slavic peoples in Serbia

France Russia & Britain Wanted to avoid facing Germany alone at a

later date

Belgium Neutral Invaded by Germany

Britain France & Russia Outraged by invasion of Belgium