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