Causes of World War I 1914 1918 World

Causes of World War I 1914 - 1918

World War I – Causes ØMilitarism ØAlliances ØImperialism ØNationalism

1. Militarism Ø Countries increased the size and strength of their military to protect their colonies and prove their military power (justified by Social Darwinism) Naval rivalry between Germany and Britain l France extended mandatory military service l Russia’s military spending was doubled l

2. Alliances Alliance – Two or more countries agree to aid each other in time of war. Before the war secret alliances were formed Triple Alliance – 1882 l Italy, Austria-Hungary, Germany Triple Entente – 1894 l France, Russia, Britain

Ø Major powers bound together, making it impossible to solve problems peacefully Ø War spread quickly across Europe Alliance System After the War Started Central Powers l Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Allied Powers l Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Romania, Greece, U. S.

Europe 1914 Alliances

3. Imperialism Ø Countries were trying to become the most dominant imperial power Ø Competing for colonies caused conflict and disputes over land, new markets, and raw materials. Ø France and Germany especially competitive with each other

4. Nationalism Ø Nationalism or “extreme patriotism” caused the desire to grow and repress other nations and people. Ø Nationalism also led to a desire for independence for many ethnic groups

Ø French Nationalists Want to regain power in Europe l Bitter over loss to Germany in Franco. Prussian war (want revenge) l Ø German Nationalists l Proud of recent industrialization and desire to expand empire Ø Russian Nationalists l Support the creation of a Slavic state (a larger Serbia)