Notes #1 –

Long Term Causes of WWI

1. Nationalism • Nationalism is a strong feeling of pride & love for one’s

country

• Expressed through competition & a desire for power (i.e. – German v. France)

• Countries sharing a similar nationality formed bonds – Pan Slavism: Russia and Serbia

• Certain nationalities resented domination by other countries & wanted independence (Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire)

2. Imperialism

• Imperialism is when one country takes over another country

• Imperialism goes hand in hand with Nationalism

• European countries compete for colonies leading to increased hostility & problems

3. Militarism• Militarism is the glorification of war

• Militarism was adopted to defend nationalism & imperialistic colonies.

• Results: – An increase in tension & suspicion between countries– An Arms race – build up of weapons & naval power– A “survival of the fittest” mentality

1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1914

94 130 154 268 289 398

Total Defense Expenditures for the Great Powers

[Ger., A-H, It., Fr., Br., Rus.] in millions of £s.

1910-1914 Increase in Defense

Expenditures

France 10%

Britain 13%

Russia 39%

Germany

73%

4. Alliance System• Nations sign agreements to support one another if

another is attacked. – Allies: (Triple Entente) –

• France, Great Britain, Russia (later the United States).

– Central Powers: (Triple Alliance) – • Germany, Austria – Hungary, Italy

• Provides some international security with no one wanting to upset the balance of power.

• Problem: a small war could turn into a major event!

Chain Reaction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjqIJW_Qr3c

How does the video illustrate the inherent or built in danger of the system of alliances?

5. Pre-determined War Plans • Most European countries had pre-determined

war plans if and when the Triple Entente and Triple Alliance ever went to war.

• Example: – Schlieffen Plan – Germany’s plan to attack France first

and then go after Russia. – Plan 17 – France’s plan to concentrate most troops in

one area to pierce through the heart of Germany

The Schlieffen PlanThe Schlieffen Plan

Archduke Franz Ferdinand & His Family

Archduke Franz Ferdinand & His Family

The Assassination: Sarajevo

The Assassination: Sarajevo

The Assassin: The Assassin:

GavriloPrincipGavriloPrincip

Immediate Cause of WWI: • Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

of Austria – Hungary

• When: June, 1914• Where: Sarajevo, Bosnia • Who: Assassinated by Serbian Terrorist group,

the “Black Hand.” (Gavrilo Princip)• Why: Upset over Austria-Hungary’s control

over Serbian people in Bosnia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE8552joxfE

Why does the Assassination lead to War?