11.1 NOTES

THE GREAT WAR BEGINS

Objective and Standard

Objective- Students will understand the causes of World War I

Standard-10.5.2-Analyze the arguments for entering into war presented by all leaders from all sides of the Great War and the role of political and economic rivalries , ethnic and ideological conflicts, domestic discontent and disorder, and propaganda and nationalism in mobilizing the civilian population in support of “total war”

Triple Alliance- Triple Entente

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy

Britain, France, and Russia

I. Alliance System

II. Rivalry, Militarism and Nationalism

Rivalry

• Economic growth• Overseas colonies• Arms race• Old grudges- France wants back Alsace/Lorraine

Militarism- glorification of the military

Nationalism-Pride and willingness to defend your country/people• Example-Pan-Slavism- Russia pledges to defend all Slavic people saying they have a common nationality

TENSION AKA Power

Keg

Rivalry

Militarism

Nationalism

III. The Powder Keg Ignites

Austria declares war on Serbia

Serbia partially refuses

Austria issues ultimatum of demands to Serbia

Archduke Francis Ferdinand- heir of Austria Hungary is assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by Serbian Nationalist

IV. Alliances Kick In

Russia backs Serbia• Pan-Slavism

France backs Russia•Triple Entente

Germany backs Austria-Hungary•Triple Alliance

Germany declares war on

Russia and France

Germany enacts Schlieffen Plan•Defeat France fast before slow Russia

Britain decides to support France•after Germany invades neutral Belgium

WWI

Germany wants to avoid a two-front war

Attacks France through Belgium before Russia can mobilize

Schlieffen Plan

V. Reaction to the War

Enthusiasm for WarUnited CountriesYoung men signed up for adventure