WW1

MAIN causes of WW1

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism

Militarism

counties strengthened their militaries and their enemies felt intimidated so they also strengthened their military

Imperialism

when country increases its power and wealth by acquiring new land

Triple Alliance

Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany

Triple Entente

France, Great Britain, and Russia

Alliences

agreement that if one country was attacked their allies would have to help them

what does “the sun never sets on the British Empire'“ mean?

they had territory all over the world

Nationalism

having a strong sense of pride for one’s own national or ethnic group (Europeans felt they were superior to other countries)

Slavs

Lived in Bosnia (region south of Austria-Hungary) and Serbia. They wanted their own free country.

Powder Keg

Archduke Ferdinand (heir to Austria-Hungary throne) was shot by Gavrilo Princip (Serbian nationalist)

War between Austria-Hungary and Serbia

Gavrilo Princip blamed the Serbian Government for killing Archduke Ferdinand which pushed Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. Russia defended Serbia, Germany attacked Russia, and Great Britain joined when Germany attacked Belgium and France. This little act started a major war between many countries.