MAIN Causes of World War I

Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. Thus, if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Before World War 1, the following alliances existed: 1. Russia and Serbia 2. Germany and Austria-Hungary 3. France and Russia 4. Ottoman Empire & Bulgaria 5. Britain and France and Belgium 6. Japan and Britain When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia. France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria- Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war. Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies.

Alliances

Were an agreement between two countries in which the two countries decide to work together and help each other.

Alliances

The immediate cause of World War I that made all the aforementioned items come into play (alliances, imperialism, militarism, nationalism) was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. In June 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated him and his wife while they were in Sarajevo, Bosnia which was part of Austria-Hungary. This was in protest to Austria-Hungary having control of this region. Serbia wanted to take over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This assassination led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. When Russia began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia. Thus began the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.

Immediate Cause: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Is when a country gains control of other countries and then increases in power as a result of doing this.

Imperialism

Is when a country increases their power and wealth by bringing additional territories under their control. Before World War 1, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention amongst the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into World War I.

Imperialism

Is loyalty to oneʼs nation. A nation is a group of people that share a common history, homeland, and want their own country. Much of the origin of the war was based on the desire of the Slavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina to no longer be part of Austria Hungary but instead be part of Serbia. In this way, nationalism led directly to the War. But in a more general way, the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributed not only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.

Nationalism

Is when a person is loyal to their nation, country, or culture.

Nationalism

Major Cause that started WWI

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

How did militarism lead to WWI

Countries became more involved in policies created from the government. As a result, tensions may form between two countries.

How did the assassination of Ferdinand lead to WWI?

Countries started to declare war on each other and countries with an alliance started to come together in order to help each other.

How did alliances lead to WWI

Lead to WWI because countries began to protect and aid their alliance countries due to many countries declaring war on their enemies.

As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military. Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military began to have a greater influence on public policy. This increase in militarism helped push the countries involved to war.

Militarism

Is when a countries military becomes stronger due to the increase in power of that countries military. It also caused an arms race to begin.

Militarism

What were the MAIN causes of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism

Why was Ferdinand assassinated?

One country wanted to take over other places that another country controlled.

How did imperialism lead to WWI?

Tensions grew between two countries due to a country wanting greater power than they already have. One way that countries wanted greater power was by gaining materials from another country that they control. As a result, the tensions between two countries is what caused this to lead to WWI.

How did nationalism lead to WWI?

Tensions grew between two countries due to one country having more power over another country. It led to WWI due to a country being superior over another country.