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World War I Begins

Explore the catalysts of World War I - M.A.I.N. Causes: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism. Discover how tensions escalated across Europe & the Balkans, leading to the outbreak of war in 1914.

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World War I Begins

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  1. World War I Begins Unit 6: WWI

  2. Causes of the War M.A.I.N. Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism (+ Balkan “Powder Keg”)

  3. Causes of the War • Militarism – aggressive preparation for war • Industrialization allowed for larger armies and navies; new weapons • Conscription: military draft • Extensive plans for mobilization (preparing and organizing troops for active service) • Alliances • Triple Alliance, Triple Entente • Imperialism • Scramble for Africa created tension between powers • The “Eastern question” • Ottoman Empire began to shrink; European powers wanted their Balkan territory • Nationalism • Ethnic groups without a nation dreamt of creating one

  4. Alliances • Triple Entente • Russia, France, Britain • Triple Alliance • Italy, Austria-Hungary, Germany • Russia also supported Serbia • Ottoman Empire also supported Germany

  5. The “Eastern Question” • Ottoman Empire at risk of collapse in early 1900s • Began to withdraw from its territory in Balkans • Balkan region valuable because of location • Between Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russian Empire • Had direct access to Mediterranean • Balkans = volatile • Intense nationalistic, ethnic conflict • “Powder keg”

  6. The Balkans • Serbia wanted to unite Slavs(ethnic group from E. Europe) • Opposed by Austria-Hungary • Ruled a large Slav population; threat of revolt • Supported by Russia • Most Russians are Slavs • Russia despised Aus-Hun; wanted a Slav revolt • Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina to prevent Serbia from uniting Slavs there • June 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary visited Bosnia • Assassinated by a Serbian nationalist

  7. The Conflict Broadens • Germany devised the Schlieffen Plan in case they found themselves at war with France and Russia simultaneously • Germany would conduct small holding action against Russia; carry out rapid invasion of France through neutral Belgium • Once France is defeated, move full-force against Russia • In August 1914, Germany declares war on France and begins Schlieffen Plan

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