Origins of World War I: Causes and Spark

Origins of World War I
(The Great War)
Art Lewandowski
Fostoria High School
Four Long Term Causes
 Militarism
 Alliances
 Imperialism
 Nationalism
Imperialism
 Dominating countries politically and
economically
 Closely linked to industry
– Need for raw materials and markets
Imperialism Cont.
 Causes tension
 Examples
– Russo-Japanese War over Korea
– France and Great Britain nearly went to
war in Africa
Nationalism
 Belief that national interests and
national unity should be placed ahead
of global cooperation
 Self-interest to guide foreign affairs
Nationalism Cont.
 Examples:
– Germanic peoples (Germany/Austria)
share common heritage and goals
– Russia was regarded as the protector of
Slavic peoples
Militarism
 Long term military buildup
 European countries wanted to be
stronger than each other
 Germany had become the strongest in
mainland Europe
Militarism Cont.
 Results
– France, Italy, Japan, and the United
States started to develop more advanced
weapons
Alliances
 Support other countries if they are
attacked
Alliances Cont.
 Examples:
– Triple Alliance: Central Powers
• Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy
(TOE/TAG)
– Triple Entente: Allies
• France, Russia, Great Britain (FRUG)
The Spark That Started The War
 June 28, 1914 Austrian Archduke
Franz Ferdinand assassinated in
Sarajevo, Serbia
– Gavrilo Princip was the assassin and was
a member of the Black Hand
– How did nationalism, imperialism and
militarism both work to cause this?
War is Declared
 Austria-Hungary declared war on
Serbia July 28, 1914
 Russia had to support Serbia
 Germany had to support Aus-Hun.
Alliances Tear Europe Apart
 Ger. declared war
on Russia
(France’s Ally)
 G.B. came to help
Fr. after neutral
Belgium was
invaded
Alliances Tear Europe Apart
Cont.
 By the end of the summer of 1914 the
whole continent of Europe was
engulfed in war.
PI I.O.1
1. Why might the Balkans be called “The
Powder Keg of Europe?”
2. Choose one European country and explain
how Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism
and Nationalism affected that country and
it’s entry into World War I in 1914. (must
have spoke and wheel)
What would you do?
 Your nation is one of the oldest, wealthiest and
most populous in the world. Your Science and
tech. industries are the best in the world. But you
are surrounded by weaker countries that build up
their navies to threaten your colonies and steal
your resources. They also want to take some of
your territory. You fear they are growing
stronger at your expense and eventually they
might try to take over your homeland. You
might lose your home and cultural heritage
forever. What will you do? Why?