7.2 Causes of WWI

Essential Question: Causes and consequences of World War I.
Escalation due to social and political developments in Europe.
Competition for resources in Africa and Asia exacerbated tensions.
Mutual alliances committed nations, leading to conflict.
Immediate Cause: Nationalism; assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

World War I (1914-1918) was characterized by:
- High global involvement.
- Significant loss of life.
- Weakened Western European powers fostering nationalism in colonies.
Assassination on June 28, 1914, led to Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia.
Key Timeline:
- Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia (July 28).
- Germany declared war on Russia (August 1), then on France (August 3).
- Britain declared war on Germany (August 4).
- War became global following Japan's involvement.

Militarism:
- Aggressive military preparedness and competition in arms.
- Influenced public perception of war as a competitive sport.
Alliances:
- Secret alliances formed for protection exacerbated conflict.
- Triple Entente: Allies (Britain, France, Russia).
- Triple Alliance: Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy).
- Italy remained neutral initially, later joined Allies.
Imperialism:
- Rivalries over colonies intensified tensions.
- Nations competed for global dominance.
Nationalism:
- Pride in national identity and self-determination among subject peoples.
- Aspirations for independence fueled conflicts, especially in the Balkans.

Led to the fall of four major empires: Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Ottoman Empire.
Redrew the maps of Europe and the Middle East; creation of new nations.
Catalyzed significant socio-political shifts: rise of communism, fascism, colonial revolts, genocide.
Shift of global power from Europe to the United States.
Imposed harsh conditions on Germany, led to resentment and future conflicts.
- Reparations and blame affected socio-political stability in Germany.