M.A.I.N.

The MAIN causes of WWI

1. MILITARISM

“I and the army were born for one another.”

-Kaiser Wilhelm

Militarism- policy of glorifying ones armies

WWI had many advancements in warfare, including the flamethrower, the tank, battleships and the introduction of trench warfare, something that made ‘winning’ a war much more difficult. (think stalemate)

The U.S.S. Intrepid was seen as a powerful battleship during WWII. Battle ships became more dangerous, and the creation of the dreadnaught- class battleship lead to faster, deadlier competition on the seas.

2. Alliances

Alliances were very important. Before WWI, European countries had been allying for peace. Before WWI two sets of allies who are very powerful become cause for concern.

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

TRIPLE ENTENTE

So Who’s Who????

The Triple Entente will become the Allies and the Triple Alliance will become the Central Powers!

Nicholas II [Rus]

Nicholas II [Rus]

George V [Br]George V [Br]

Pres. Poincare [Fr]

Pres. Poincare [Fr] Franz Josef [A-H]Franz Josef [A-H]

Wilhelm II [Ger]Wilhelm II [Ger]

Victor Emmanuel II [It]

Victor Emmanuel II [It]

Enver Pasha[Turkey]

Enver Pasha[Turkey]

The Major Players

3. Imperialism

The battle over land and resources in Africa led to a bitter rivalry among European nations. Possessions of colonies by the Europeans displayed nationalism, militarism, and prestige. But something colonies also did was to deplete some national armies.

4. Nationalism

Nationalism- belief that people should remain royal to their nation (people they share a culture and history with)

There were several reasons for the growing nationalism in Europe. There was increased competition between nations for materials and markets, the glory of having the best military and also having colonial assets.

• Land• Religion• Revenge• Natural resources/ supplies• Power• Defense• Economic• Freedom• Racism• Misunderstanding• Realpolitik• ideology

Militarism

Alliances

Imperialism

Nationalism