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World War I “ The Great War”. 1914-1918. Nationalism. Nationalism: The unique cultural identity of a people based on common language, religion, and national symbols. The Road to War. Feelings of Nationalism and a system of alliances contributed to the start of WWI.
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World War I “The Great War” 1914-1918
Nationalism • Nationalism: The unique cultural identity of a people based on common language, religion, and national symbols.
The Road to War • Feelings of Nationalism and a system of alliances contributed to the start of WWI. • The formation of nation-states led to competition, rivalries for colonies and trade. • Nationalism strengthened states willingness to go to war to preserve their independence and pride.
Stop…Think…Reconsider… • 1. What does Nationalism mean to you? What symbols and ideals are “American”? • Would you fight for your country? Die for your country? What might change your position?
Militarism • Militarism: The aggressive preparation for war. • The growth of large armies occurred at a rapid pace after 1900. • Conscription: The military draft that became standard for most western military powers. • Despite new armies and new industrial war technology military leaders did not adjust their tactics.
System of Alliances • Triple Alliance: 1882 Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. • Triple Entente: 1907 Britain, Russia and France. • This system of Alliances would prime the opportunity for war. • The Balkans would create a dangerous situation that would lead this alliance system to world war.
Powder Keg of Europe: The Balkans • Serbia part of the Balkan's (a region of small states in southeastern Europe) wanted to create a large, independent Slavic state. • Serbia was supported by Russia. • Serbia’s independence movement was radical like most are with extreme groups such as the Black Hand.
The Black Hand: Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? Violence as a tool of change • Unification or Death! • It was intent on uniting all of the territories containing significant Serb populations annexed by Austria-Hungary. • Made up of military men and younger radicals. • Their actions would spark war which led to the devastation of their nation.
Stop…Think…Reconsider… • Can you propose an alternative to the Black Hands tactic of violence? What would Gandhi do? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of Militarism in your own opinion?