Causes of WWI

Nationalism•Similar to patriotism

•Ethnic groups of similar heritage wanted to free

their oppressed brethren and unit

•Countries proud of their heritage and culture

•Unite their people into one country

•Germany wanted to expand its culture and political influence throughout

Europe.

Imperialism •France, Great Britain, Germany

and Russia were establishing colonies in Africa and Asia

•economic and political control over other countries……•these countries were in competition for colonies

Colonial Holdings- 1900

Militarism•European nations

began an arms race as they

competed for colonies around

the world……

Militarism & Arms RaceMilitarism & Arms RaceTotal Defense Expenditures for the Great Powers [Germany, Austria-Hungary,

Italy, France, British and Russia] in millions of dollars.

1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1914

94 130 154 268 289 398

1910-1914 Increase in Defense

Expenditures

France 10%

Britain 13%

Russia 39%

Germany

73%

Alliances•European nations began forming military alliances with one another to maintain a

balance of power ……..

Central Powers Allied Powers

Germany Great Britain Austria-Hungary France

Bulgaria Russia

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Garvillo Princip, a Serbian nationalist assassinated the Archduke. He was trying to

gain allowances for his fellow Serbs who lived

under Austrian rule.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his family. Archduke was heir to the throne in the

Austrian Hungarian Empire. His assassination June 28, 1914 eventually led to WWI.

New Types of Weapons

US Position on the War until April, 1917

President Wilson• Calls for neutrality = conflicting

sympathies• US belief = right to trade with all nations