Download - World War I
World War I
1914 – 1918 (1919)
Background Europe has been at
peace for 30 years into 1900s
Whole generation that does not know the “reality” of War
Long Term Causes 1. Nationalism
Deep feelings for own country
Countries as rivals
Reasons for Rivalries (Nationalism)
Competition for resources Germany challenging
England’s Industrial power
France wants Alsace-Lorraine back from Germany
Austria-Hungary and Russia fight over Balkan region (who want independence)
Long term causes 2. Imperialism
Competing for colonies
Dominating a weaker territory either politically, economically, and/or socially
Long term Causes 3. Militarism
Glorifying military power and keeping standing army (always ready for war)
England is only county in Europe without one at beginning of war
Kaiser Wilhelm II (Germany)
Long Term Causes 4. Alliances Meant to keep peace,
but leads to World War
Alliances Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
Formed to keep France from getting too powerful
Germany breaks treaty with Russia
Russia aligns with France
Wilhelm builds navy England scared and
joins alliance
Alliances Triple Entente
France, England, Russia
Immediate Cause “Powder Keg” of
Europe The Balkans
Russia and Austria fight over territory
Austria takes Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia
Immediate Cause (1914) Archduke Franz
Ferdinand (of Austria) tours Sarajevo
Shot and killed by Serbian Gavrilo Princip (Black Hand)
Austria takes it as a sign of Serbian aggression
Germany encourages Austria to declare war on Serbia (promises to help)
Austria’s Ultimatum To Serbia
No more anti-Austrian activity and other types of harsh demands
Serbia agrees with some
Austria declares war anyway
Russia backs up Serbia
War begins Powder Keg is lit with
the assassination Alliance system falls
apart (new ones form) World War I becomes
largest war ever