Reasons for World War I

1. Reasons for World War I Standard 5.4 E.Q. What factors impacted the causes of WWI?

2. Militarism • Militarism – the development of armed forces and their use as a tool of diplomacy. • The growth of nationalism and imperialism led to increased military spending.

3. Militarism Examples • Germany was the strongest in Europe, which had set up an army reserve system that drifted and trained young men. • Britain had always relied on its navy for defense and protection of its shipping routes. • Soon British and German shipyards competed to build the largest battleships and destroyers. • France, Italy, Japan and the US would soon follow.

4. Nationalism • Nationalism: a devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation (common language, religion, history and traditions). • This was the driving force of the long term causes. • Not all nations had states; many were included in empires. • Ethnic and ideological differences led to conflict within these empires.

5. National Examples • National pride spurred competition in military strength and led to military alliances. • Typically lead to competition; • Many countries feared Germany’s growing power in Europe. • Russia regarded itself as the protector of Europe’s Slavic peoples.

6. Imperialism • Imperialism: Colonies supplied the European imperial powers with raw materials & provided markets for manufactured goods. • European countries are going to compete for colonies.

7. Alliance System • Provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of the power. • Triple Entenete (Allies): France, Britain, and Russia. • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria – Hungary, and Italy. • Nationalism spurred competition among states in military strength and led European nations to established a complex system of military alliances.