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Causes of WWI. WWI was caused by an ANIMAL!. WWI was caused by an ANIMAL!. A lliances. Alliance: agreement between nations to aid and protect one another, especially in the case of an attack.
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Causes of WWI WWI was caused by an ANIMAL!
Alliances • Alliance: agreement between nations to aid and protect one another, especially in the case of an attack. • Due to tensions from imperialism, nationalism, and militarism, many countries chose to form alliances. • Germany organized Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy. • France organized Triple Entente with Russia and Britain.
Nationalism • Nationalism: pride in one’s country • Germany won a part of France (Alsace-Lorraine) after the Franco-Prussian war. France wanted that part back to restore nationalism. This caused tension between Germany and France. • Russians encouraged Serbs living in AH to rise up in a showing of national pride.
Imperialism • Imperialism: powerful countries seeking control over weaker, smaller countries • Powerful nations scrambled to take control over colonies in Africa (see note from Sept. 6), Asia, and the Pacific. Competing over the same regions led to international conflict.
Militarism • Militarism: building up strong forces in preparation for war • European nations began to build up their armies and navies. • A huge conflict was rising between Germany and Britain, as each were adding ships to their naval fleets.
ssassination • With tensions rising due to alliances, nationalism, imperialism, and militarism (the “MAIN” causes), all that was needed to set of a catastrophic event was a spark. • June 28, 1914 • Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to throne of Austria-Hungary) was touring Bosnia (under AH rule). • Serbian terrorist group, “The Black Hand,” wanted Bosnia to break away from AH and join Serbia, and they were angered by the Archduke’s visit. • During the tour, a member of the Black Hand, GavriloPrincip, assassinated the Archduke and his wife.
Series of Events • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand • AH accused Serbia of the attack, threatened war • July 28: AH officially declared war on Serbia • July 29: Russia (allies with Serbia) prepared for war against AH • August 1: Germany requested Russia call off their attack, but didn’t get a response. So, Germany declared war • August 3: Germany also declares war on France, Russia’s ally. • August 4: Germany began to move through neutral Belgium, which Great Britain had promised to protect, so Great Britain declared war on Germany Austria-Hungary Serbia Russia Germany France Britain
Leaders • Leaders played a heavy role in the fatal decisions that led to the Great War, as well as those during and after WWI.