Shaping The Modern World - World War I

nationalism

• Countries believed their nation was superior to others.

the influence of nationalism on Great Power rivalry by the end of the 19th century

• Created competition and tension, especially in Europe.
  
  

• Ethnic groups sought independence, increasing instability.
  

imperialism

• Major powers competed to acquire colonies worldwide.

the influence of imperialism on Great Power rivalry by the end of the 19th century

This rivalry created distrust and conflict between nations.

militarism

• Nations built up large armies and navies.

the influence of militarism on Great Power rivalry by the end of the 19th century

• Military strength was seen as essential for power and security.
  
  

• Preparedness for war increased tensions.

alliances

• Countries formed defensive agreements to support each other.

main alliances

• Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
  
  

• Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia
  

the influence of alliances on Great Power rivalry by the end of the 19th century

• Alliances meant a conflict involving one country could escalate quickly.

the outbreak of war in 1914

• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked a crisis.
  
  

• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
  
  

• Alliance commitments caused a wider war involving major powers.
  

Western front

• Western Front: Germany fought France and Britain, leading to trench warfare and stalemate.

Eastern front

• Eastern Front: Germany and Austria-Hungary fought Russia with more movement but heavy losses.

stalemate (and its relevance to WW1)

• A stalemate is when neither side can win or make progress.

• In WWI, trench warfare on the Western Front caused a stalemate because both sides had strong defences and couldn’t break through, leading to a long, deadlocked war.

why it became the world’s first global conflict

• European empires involved their colonies and allies worldwide.
  
  

• Countries from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas contributed troops and resources.
  
  

• The war spread beyond Europe, involving nations on multiple continents.