Causes of World War I

Flashcards covering the immediate and long-term causes of World War I, including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism.

Immediate Cause of World War I

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo.

Militarism

The buildup of large armies and navies by European powers, along with military planning that increased the likelihood of war.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military plan that contributed to making war more likely.

Alliances

Systems like the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) that could turn a small conflict into a large-scale war.

Triple Entente

Alliance between France, Russia, and Britain.

Triple Alliance

Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (later switched sides).

Imperialism

Fierce competition among European powers for overseas colonies, leading to tensions, especially between Britain and Germany.

Nationalism

Strong patriotic feelings that encouraged aggressive foreign policies and the desire for independence among ethnic groups in multi-national empires.

Slavic nationalism

Nationalistic movement supported by Serbia, challenging Austro-Hungarian control in the Balkans.