The Causes of WWI

The immediate cause of WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914.
- Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
- This event triggered a series of alliances and escalated tensions across Europe.

There was a strong belief in building up one’s military forces.
Countries were willing to use their military to achieve national interests.
- Britain: world’s largest naval power.
- Germany: world’s largest land power.
This rivalry resulted in a naval arms race, contributing to the tensions leading to the war.

Europe was divided into two opposing armed camps:
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
- Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia.
These alliances were meant for stability but ultimately increased international tensions.

Strength for nations came from establishing overseas colonies.
- For example, Britain established a vast empire: "The Sun never sets on the British Empire"—controlled 24% of land mass and 23% of the global population.
Smaller and newer nations sought to establish colonies, further fueling competition among powers.

Nationalism characterized by extreme patriotism and a belief in a nation's superiority.
- Kaiser Wilhelm II asserted, "The 20th century is Germany’s century," highlighting national ambitions.

A local conflict escalated to a global war due to several factors:
- Big Brother Slavs: Russia's support for Slavic nations in conflict with Austria-Hungary.
- Germany’s "Blank Cheque" assurance to Austria-Hungary, encouraging military action against Serbia.
- Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, leading to mobilization.
- Britain’s initial silence regarding the conflict in Belgium before the British Empire's involvement on August 4, 1914.