Causes of The First World War

Causes of The First World War

1. Nationalism

   • Austria- Hungary
     • Serbia
       • Wanted to unite with Serbs in The Balkan regiontogetehr under its rule, epespecialy those in Austria. Austria therefore saw Serbian as a threat
     • Russia
       • Russia supported the Serbs and did not want Austria to have influence in that region. If serbs broke away from Austira-Hungary it would also weaken Austria. They also wanted to protect outlet in to the Mediterranean
   • THE BALKANS
     • TURKEY
       • struggles to hold Balkan teritories

2. IMPERIALISM

   • Countries competed aigainst each other to have the most powerful and stronget empires
   • Britain's large empire gave her wealth, power, land and respect
     • But The US was catching up, mass production, inventions,etc.
   • A large empire would provide germany with a market for her industries as well as respect that the Kaiser wnated

3. Militarism

   • Connected to imperialism
   • It was thought that by being strong militarily, no one would dare attack another
     • Arms Race
       • best equipment and weaponry competition
       • size of army competition
         • Germany had over 2 million by jan 1914
     • Naval Race
       • Germany vs Britian
         • Dreadnaughts
         • Germany: 1914: 40 battleships and 57 crusisers
         • Britain: 1914: 50 battleships and 64 crusiers

4. Alliances

   • As result of evrything, Europe split in two!
   • Triple Alliance
     • 1882
     • Germany, Austria- Hungary (and Italy)
     • Formed to guard from a revenge attack from France for the 1870 war
   • Triple Entente
     • 1907
     • Great Britain, France and Russia
     • Because all countries scared of Germany more than each other
   • "Chain of Friendship"
   • suspicion and fear
   • all countries would fall into war
   • Smaller countries became more aggresive
     • I'll get my big brother on you!

5. The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

   • 28th June 1914
   • Archduke Ferdinand and Countess Sophie of Austria-Hungary
   • In Sarajevo
   • By Serbian Terrorist
   • Austria was angry and blamed Serbia
     • asked Germany to honour treaty
       • Blank Cheque
     • Austria Presents Serbia with ulmatum. Serbia complied with almost all demands except one!
       • Serbia said no to letting Austrian police
         • Begiining of CHAIN OF EVENTS!
     • 23rd July 1914