World War I Background

• Before World War I the last time the Europeans nations all sat down together to discuss issues was at the Congress of Vienna (1814).

• There had been many changes to Europe since that time – rise of new nations, industrialization, and imperialism.

State of the World

Changes to Europe 1815 - 1914

1815 1914

• As nations unified and developed a national identity many of them also built up their militaries.

• Having a strong military showed national pride and helped nations to become imperial powers.

• Militarism is the belief that it is important to always have a large standing army, even in times of peace.

Rise of Militarism

• Europeans made alliances during the Congress of Vienna to prevent war, but many changes had happened to Europe since that time.

• Otto von Bismarck created a new alliance for the unified Germany called the Triple Alliance which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Creation of New Alliances Part I

• When Britain learns about the Triple Alliance they are concerned that Germany is becoming too powerful.

• Britain creates their own alliance called the Triple Entente which includes Britain, Russia, and France.

Creation of New Alliances Part 2

Alliances Leading into World War I

• Imperialism led to intense competition between nations for power and resources, and created many enemies between nations.

• Imperialism also fueled nations’ militarism, leading to them building up large armies and navies to compete.

Problems with Imperialism

• Newly unified nation - states, such as Germany wanted to demonstrate how strong and powerful they were by building up their militaries.

• This threatened other nation – states, and also led to nations that did not yet have their own countries to want independence.

Increase in Nationalism

• Tensions are high in Europe amongst the nation – states.

• Otto von Bismarck creates the Triple Alliance to protect Germany.

• Kaiser Wilhelm II (new emperor of Germany) fires Bismarck and decides to build up his army and navy.

• Kaiser Wilhelm II’s decisions concern Britain. They form the Triple Entente.

• These new alliances increase tensions even more in Europe.

• Causes of war: MAIN – militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism.

Important Events Leading to War

Key Players – Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany

Key Players – Otto von Bismarck of Germany

FIRED!

Key Players – Tsar Nicholas II of Russia