Causes of World War I

1. Causes of World War I The “isms”

2. How did nationalism, imperialism, alliances, & militarism cause World War I? ESSENTIAL QUESTION

3. 1900 – Europeans were enjoying peace & prosperity • Turkey, Mexico, China, & Russia – Reformers influenced by European ideas outraged at social division & authoritarian governments • Austria-Hungary – Minorities dreamed of independence Background

4. Shortly after 1900 areas exploded in revolution • 1905 – Demonstrators forced Russian Tsar to create national assembly • 1908 – Reformers in Turkey overthrow Sultan • 1910 – Revolution overthrows Mexico’s dictator • 1912 – Nationalist reformers overthrow Chinese emperor Background

5. After fall of Chinese emperor, events in Austria-Hungary brought Europe to armed conflict • Technology made warfare more destructive than ever • Imperial governments & old class system shattered • Resulting peace allowed triumph of democracy & international peace organizations • Violence prepared way for communism & fascism Background

6. Nationalism • Imperialism • Alliances • Militarism The Causes of World War I

7. Def. – Belief that each ethnic group deserves its own nation, & citizens should promote their nation’s interests • Encouraged rivalries between France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Russia • Led to creation of independent Balkans – Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania • Countries unstable, fought series of wars in 1912 & 1913 – threatened to involve larger countries • Austria-Hungary had several ethnic groups that wanted their own nation • Demands threatened to break Austro-Hungarian Empire apart Nationalism

8. European powers saw possession of overseas colonies as a sign of power • Became accustomed to competing for colonies in Africa & Asia • Created tension, which was increased by economic rivalries • 1900 – ¼ of world under British control • German industrialization threatened British dominance • Russian interest in Balkans threatened Austria-Hungary & Turkey Imperialism

9. 1914 – Europe divided into 2 alliances • Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy • Triple Entente – Russia, France, Great Britain • Alliances sought to preserve balance of power • Any dispute involving 2 or more countries threatened to drag all of Europe into conflict Alliances

10. Occurs when military values & goals take over civilian society • By end of 19th Century societies were increasingly militaristic • European countries were building their armies • Kings wore military uniforms, & generals became influential in governments • Germany & Britain competing to create most powerful navy • Military planning played key role in outbreak of World War I • Assembling & moving armies on railroads took time, so leaders thought it better to attack first Militarism

11. July 1914 – Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria assassinated • Black Hand – Slav group that claimed responsibility • Austria knew Serbian officials helped assassin • Austria-Hungary invades Serbia as retaliation Flashpoint that Ignites War

12. Russia entered to protect Serbia • Germany entered to protect Austria • Britain & France entered to honor alliance with Russia • Austria, Russia, Germany, Britain, & France all at war • Italy refused to join Central Powers because Austria attacked first • Ottoman Empire entered to oppose Russia • Bulgaria entered to oppose Serbia Flashpoint that Ignites War