Why did the First World War start?

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The Great Powers in 1914

• Europe dominated the political world in 1914

• Key countries were:• Great Britain• Germany• Austria-Hungary• France• Russia

Great BritainGreat Britain

Britain’s Empire was huge!

The German Empire

• Created in 1870 after a victory over France

• Germany was the most powerful country in Europe

• Her ruler, Kaiser William II wanted her to be a world power

The Austro-Hungarian Empire

• Dominated southern central Europe

• Made up of 14 separate ethnic groups

• Faced serious problems with groups wanting independence

• On collision course with Serbia

France

• Had been major force in Europe for many years

• Controlled overseas Empire

• Many French people resented and feared the new German Empire

The Russian Empire

Russians wanted access to the Med – wanted control of the Straits

Russia was the largestof the Great Powers,stretching across 2

continents

However Russiawas perhaps themost backward

of the mainpowers

International tensions (1)

Britain had problems with Russia (over India)

France (over colonies)

By 1914 Britain had sorted these problems out.All three countries were members of the

TRIPLE ENTENTE although only France and Russia were real allies

International Tensions (2)

William’s ambitions alarmed the British

Britain and Germany found themselves in an arms race to build the new super weapon – the Dreadnought

International Tensions (3)

Serbia was ambitiousand wanted more

land

Austria-Hungary aimed todominate this area

Bosnia-Herzegovina was to be the key territory

The Alliance SystemTriple Entente

Triple Alliance

Consequences of the Alliance System

• The alliance system brought the threat of war closer

• Any conflict between say France and Germany might also involve Russia and Austria

• There were a number of conflicts in waiting!

• Tensions over colonies, the naval race, Austria & Serbia were all potential problems