1.2: Causes of WWI

The 5 causes of WWI can be condensed into the acronym ==M.A.N.I.A==

What each letter of M.A.N.I.A mean…

Militarism

  • Building up a country’s arms and armies.
  • Prior to WWI, many countries believed in having a strong military.
  • As a result, countries began to build up their armies in order to outdo one another.
  • 1900’s the British navy was the largest navy in the world.
  • Germany began to build a more powerful navy. Britain viewed this as a challenge.
  • Billions of dollars spent on building massive armies and weapons.
  • This resulted in bad relations between other nations.

Alliance Systems

  • Rivalries in Europe caused countries to seek friends for protection.
  • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
  • Triple Entente: France, Britain, Russia
  • Both sides agree to protect each other
  • Both sides agree to never attack or take over another.
  • An attack on one is an attack on all.

Nationalism

  • a belief that people of similar cultures should be united.
  • extreme pride and willingness to sacrifice for your country.
  • All of Europe was very nationalistic in 1914.
  • Leads to bad relations between nations.

Imperialism

  • When a country takes over other countries and make them subject to their rule.
  • Prior to WWI, many countries wanted to expand their empire.
  • Germany demanded that they acquire colonies for raw materials.
  • European nations were building “Empires” by conquering other nations (Africa & Asia).
  • Germany wanted colonies as well and threatened British and French interests.

Assassination

  • Bosnia was originally a province of Serbia but was taken over by Austria-Hungary.
  • Majority of people in Bosnia were Serbs and wanted it under Serbia.
  • The Black Hand was a terrorist group that was willing to fight for Serbian citizens.
  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand was heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary.
  • June 28, 1914 - Franz shot dead in a motorcade as part of a Parade in Bosnia.
  • Shooter was arrested and identified as a member of the Black Hand terrorist group.
  • The Austria-Hungary gov. blamed Serbian authorities for the murder.
  • Austria-Hungary demanded the arrest of all Black Hand members, an official apology, and the right tot send Austria-Hungary groups to monitor Serbia.
  • Serbian did not accept these terms and saw assistance of Russia.
  • Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia for the murder and not accepting their plea.
  • Russia mobilized its army to support Serbia.
  • Germany, supporting Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia.
  • This was the beginning of WWI.