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Underlying Causes of WWI

Underlying Causes of WWI. Imperialism – a policy of extending military and political control over other nations European nations held colonies in Africa, Asia & The Pacific Islands. By 1910, most desirable colonies had been taken Germany jealous of Great Britain & France.

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Underlying Causes of WWI

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  1. Underlying Causes of WWI

  2. Imperialism – a policy of extending military and political control over other nations • European nations held colonies in Africa, Asia & The Pacific Islands. • By 1910, most desirable colonies had been taken • Germany jealous of Great Britain & France

  3. Nationalism – aspiration for national independence or devotion to the interests of a particular nation • Czechs, Slavs & Poles desired Independence • France wanted to regain Alsace – Lorraine • The Balkans became the “powder keg” of Europe

  4. Powder Keg of Europe

  5. Militarism– the glorification of a military class or policies • Germany glorified the military, stepped up military activity, and instituted a national conscription • All the Great Powers of Europe (Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Great Britain & Russia) spent large sums of $ on new weapons and Warships. • Endless planning for war made war more likely

  6. **Look at the Map on page 415 The Alliance System Triple Alliance (Central Powers) Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Triple Entente (Allies) Great Britain France Russia • physical relationships • attack on one attack on all

  7. Map of WWI • Use page 415 • You can substitute any COOL color for Blue and any WARM color for Red • Rhine river can be found on the map on page 416 Great Britain Ireland Help out an elementary in our district win a grant and Text to vote: Text 2447pbf to 95248

  8. Beginning of World War I Balkan Peninsula – Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania & Bulgaria revolted away from the Ottoman Empire. Austria Hungary took over some land. Newly formed countries had political instability = “the powder keg of Europe” War had been avoided because both sides were even – neither felt they could win decisively June 28, 1914 A Slavic nationalist linked to Serbia, GavriloPrincip, assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.

  9. In retaliation: • Austria-Hungary checked with Germany to make sure they had their support then moved to punish Serbia • Russia then mobilized its army in support of Serbia • Germany responded by declaring war on Russia and Russia’s ally France • Belgium refused to let Germany cross – so Germany declared war on Belgium • Because Germany violated Belgium neutrality Great Britain entered against Germany on August 4th

  10. By the end of August 1914 – The Central Powers were at war with the Allies. The Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers on Oct 19.

  11. Great Britain created a blockade around the British Isles. (searched all ships) Germany declares the water around the British Isles a war zone. They turned to Unrestricted Submarine Warfare. Vowed to sink any ship without warning with the use of U-boats.

  12. The Alliance system will eventually draw 30+ countries into the war. Both sides went to war with the confidence that they would win quickly.

  13. Most Americans wanted to stay out of the war. (too far, none of our business, egocentric, etc.) “Peace without Victory” - President Wilson wanted to reach agreement without the transfer of lands (could cause future battles) August 4, 1914 - Wilson issued a Neutrality Proclamation – US not committed to either side and was to be treated as neutral. Why?

  14. May 7, 1915 • Off the coast of Ireland a British Ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. The Lusitania carried 1200 passengers, 128 Americans. • March 1916 • – a u-boat torpedoed the French cross-channel steamer The Sussex injuring 2 Americans. Wilson protests again Wilson protests

  15. Sussex pledge – Germany promised not to sink passenger or merchant ships “without warning and without saving human lives”

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