Causes of WWICauses of WWI
Long Term Causes
Nationalism-Starting with the French Revolution-National identities become important,
desire respect and prestige-1871 Germany and Italy become
countries -they want to catch up with Britain /France
-Pride in country based upon industrial power and colonies.
Industrialization
1850s on sees industrialization spread to continental Europe
Economic competition between nations begin-Germany quickly gaining on Britain
Transportation, communication, and military advances continue
Need for markets and raw materials=> $$$
Imperialism
Nationalism and industrialization tied to colonial power
Competition for colonies increases tensions
European nations military, political, and economic domination of Africa and Asia build empires
Militarism
Between 1870 and 1914, European nations increase military spending by 400%
Many believed war was coming German, Russian Generals
extremely powerful Arms Race developes
Short-Term Causes
Entangling alliances pulled everyone into the war
Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) “Central Powers”
Germany gave Austria-Hungary a “blank check”
Triple Entente (England, France, and Russia) – Treaty of Friendship “Allies”
France was“concerned” about Germany’s growing Military
England was concerned with Germany’s Navy
Precipitating Events
Moroccan Crisis between France and Germany
Balkan Wars in 1912-23 raises tensions between Russia, Serbia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary
Balkans considered the “Powder Keg of Europe”
Precipitating Events
German, French, Austrian, and English Arms Race.
Naval Fleets competed to be bigger and better.
Domino Effect
In June 1914, Archduke Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, travels to Sarajevo with his wife to review the Austrian Hungarian army on maneuvers.
Domino Effect
(1) June 28, 1914 – Austrian Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia
A nineteen year-old member of the Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip, jumped from the sidewalk onto the Archduke's car and fired 2 shots.
Austria-Hungary blames Serbia for supporting Bosnian
Nationalist for the assassination. .
Domino Effect
(2) Austria Hungary issues an ultimatum to Serbia to allow Austrian forces to investigate and stop anti-Austrian activities in Serbia. (Austria knows Serbia will not accept)
Domino Effect
(3) Serbia refuses ultimatum, Austria-Hungary declares war
(4) Russia mobilizes army to defend Serbia
(5) Germany declares war on Russia
Domino Effect
• (6) France declares war on Germany
(7) Germany invades Belgium to attack France
(8) Britain declares war on Germany
Countries Mobilize for war:Nationalism and Patriotism
Domino Effect
Italy decides that its chances to gain land is better with France, Britain, and Russia and leaves the Triple Alliance in 1915.
.
The World at War - 1914
Domino Effect
Most of the fighting takes place in Western Europe, even though the conflict started in the Balkans in Eastern Europe
Results-OVERVIEW
Stalemate Trench Warfare No real
movement for 4 years!
Results- OVERVIEW1914-1918
9,000,000 45,000,000 1,350,000,000
27,900,000
11,250,000 414,000,000 22,500,000
Dead Wounded Pounds of bone
and flesh Pounds of brain
matter Gallons of blood Years of life not
lived Children not born