MAIN Causes of World War I LT16 I

MAIN Causes of World War I LT#16: I CAN EVALUATE THE VARIOUS LONG TERM AND IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE “GREAT WAR” (WWI).

�M: Militarism �A: Alliances �I: Imperialism �N: Nationalism

MILITARISM �Definition: When a nation makes the military and army the most important part of a state, leading to huge armies and weapons �How it caused WWI: Every nation was ready for a huge war, and eager to flex their muscles in war. �Example: Every country, especially Germany, built huge armies leading up to war.

ALLIANCES �Definition: Partnerships between different countries to protect each other in case they are attacked �Why were alliances created? “Mutual defense” �How it caused WWI: A small conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary turned into a huge war involving all of Europe �Examples: Triple Entente (England, France, Russia) Triple Alliance (Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy)

IMPERIALISM �Definition: When a powerful, industrialized country takes over and rules a weaker country for its resources and wealth �How it caused WWI: Led to competition and conflict between the great European nations

NATIONALISM �Definition: Extreme patriotism and pride in one’s country, making people do anything (especially go to war) to help their nation �Example: France was very eager to gain revenge and defeat Germany after losing to them in war in 1871 �Example: Germans believed they were destined to conquer all of Europe by war.

�M: Militarism �A: Alliances �I: Imperialism �N: Nationalism

“THE POWDER KEG” & “THE SPARK” �Europe was like a “powder keg, ” ready to explode and create widespread chaos and destruction. �THE SPARK… June 28, 1914: Gavrilo Princip (Serbian) kills Archduke Franz Ferdinand (next king of Austria-Hungary) to try to gain independence

Domino into War Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia prepared to defend Serbia. Germany declared war on Russia. France Declared war on Germany. Great Britain declared war on Germany out of a “moral obligation” to France.