7.1_Causes_of_WWI

Militarism

The belief that a nation's power is determined by its military strength; it led to an arms race among European nations.

Alliances

Agreements between nations to support each other in case of conflict; the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente were key examples in WWI.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force, causing tensions between nations.

Nationalism

A strong pride in one's nation, which can unite citizens but also lead to tension and conflict, as seen in the Balkans before WWI.

The Balkans

A region in southeastern Europe that was a source of tension and conflict due to nationalistic desires of Slavic peoples.

Pan-Slavic nationalism

A movement aimed at uniting Slavic peoples; it was a significant factor leading to conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The event on June 28, 1914, that triggered WWI, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia.

The Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy for a two-front war, aiming to defeat France quickly before turning to fight Russia.

Triple Alliance

The military alliance formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before World War I.

Triple Entente

The military alliance formed between Great Britain, France, and Russia before World War I.

Arms race

A competition between nations to accumulate superior military capabilities and weapons.

Western Front

The main theater of war during WWI, where trench warfare was prevalent, particularly between Germany and the Allies.

Eastern Front

The theater of war in Eastern Europe during WWI, characterized by battles between Germany and Austria-Hungary against Russia.

War to End All Wars

A phrase often used to describe World War I, reflecting the hope that it would be the last global conflict.

Grenade

A small explosive weapon thrown by hand, used extensively in WWI battles.

The Great War

Another name for World War I, highlighting its scale and impact on global history.

Socialist/communist revolution in Russia

The political change that occurred after WWI, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Franco-Prussian War

The conflict fought between France and Germany in 1870-71, leading to a deep-seated desire for revenge in France.

Trench warfare

A type of land warfare using occupied trenches; prevalent on the Western Front during World War I.

Ultimatum

A final demand or statement of terms issued by one party to another, as seen with Austria-Hungary's demand to Serbia.

Gavrilo Princip

The assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand whose actions sparked the outbreak of World War I.

Causes of WW1 (MAIN)

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism (rivalry), Nationalism

Militarism

Europeans believed their national power was determined by their military strength

Industrial revolution in militarism

led to large, advanced armies & navies with new industrial weapons

Arms race

European countries tried to keep up with each other

problem with arms racing

difficult to settle minor problems by talking things out

Triple Alliance

Austria-Hungary, Italy

Triple Entente

England France Russia

How did alliances help lead tdo WW1

These alliances did not make Europe more secure, they made it more tense

How did imperialism help lead to WW1

• Austria-Hungary announced their intention to imperialize the former Ottoman territory of Bosnia

• This angered Serbia who wanted to build a Slavic confederation

How did nationalism help lead to WW1

Nationalism created feelings of great pride & united the citizens of a country & led some countries to want revenge for previous wars

How did nationalism divide people?

the Balkans as Serbia, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, & Romania all broke from the Ottoman Empire to make new nations, The Slavic peoples wanted to unite & form a Slavic nation (Yugoslavia) but Austria-Hungary did not want this to happen

Why were the Balkans called “powder keg”

The Balkans were referred to as the "powder keg" of Europe due to the region's history of ethnic tensions, nationalist movements, and complex alliances, which made it highly volatile and likely to ignite conflict, particularly leading up to World War I.

Causes of WW1

Europe was in a bad position: Powerful European nations  had large armies & navies 

• Militarism supported the idea that war can be good & can bring glory to nation & its people (Nationalism) 

• Nations were tied together by alliances, so if one country went to war, the others had to go too

What sparked the war to begin?

Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated 

Why was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand significant

It triggered a series of events that led to the outbreak of World War I, as it escalated existing tensions between the major powers and activated alliance obligations.

Gavrilo Princip

Black hand member who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, triggering World War I.

ultimatum

A final demand or statement of terms issued by one party to another, often leading to a breakdown in relations or conflict.

The Austrian Hungary ultimatum to serbia, did serbia accept or decline

Either allow Austria-Hungarian officials to investigate the assassination or go to war. DECLINE

What happened after the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Russia pledged their support for Serbia and declares war on Germany and A-H.Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary and declares war on Russia.(Pan German nationalism)France pledges their support for Russia.Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to FranceGreat Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany.

The Schlieffen Pan

German military strategy to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia in World War I.

Goals of the Schlieffen Plan

Invade western front 1st, after deafting France concentrate on the Eastern front, avoid fighting a 2 front war

What problem did Germany have following the schlieffen plan

Germany made vast encircling movement through Belgium to enter Paris

• Underestimated speed of the British mobilization

  • Quickly sent troops to France

WWI is a two-front war because Germany has to fight the Allies on both sides

Battle of Marne

• Strategic victory for the Allies 

  • Stopped the Germans from taking Paris but French troops were exhausted

• Both sides dug trenches for shelter

Triple Alliance/Central:

Germany Austria Hungary Ottoman empire Italy

Triple Entente/Allies

Great Britian France Russia

What role did colonies play in WW1

Colonies provided troops, resources, and strategic advantages for the European powers, significantly contributing to the war efforts.

colonies in WW1

France & Germany used African troops, Japan joined to take German colonies in Southeast Asia,Ottomans allied with Germany,England used Indian troops,Canada, Australia, & New Zealand supported Britain