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