Main Causes of World War I (Ch. 13, Sec. 1). What were the Long Term causes of WWI? Nationalism...
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Transcript of Main Causes of World War I (Ch. 13, Sec. 1). What were the Long Term causes of WWI? Nationalism...
Main Causes of World War I(Ch. 13, Sec. 1)
What were the Long Term causes of WWI?
• Nationalism (deep devotion to one’s own nation) fueled imperialism & led to militarism
• Militarism led to an arms race (Germany-naval) & the buildup of large armies in the 1890’s
• Imperialism led to competition for new markets, raw materials, colonies, & European territory
• Germany battled France for control of N. Africa / Russia & Austria-Hungary fought for influence over the Balkans
What were the Long Term causes of WWI? (cont’d)
• In 1907, defensive alliances set stage for WWI / Europe divided into two camps
• Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, , Ottoman Empire & Bulgaria
• The Allies were France, Britain, & Russia, later Italy, Japan, and United States joined
• By 1914, tensions were mounting in Europe as Balkan Peninsula (“powder keg” of Europe) began to heat up
Why was the Balkan region known as “The Powder Keg” of Europe?
• Balkan Peninsula had seen more than 400 years of constant ethnic & political conflict
• Following the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, Serbia doubled the size of its territory
• Russia, a mainly Slavic country, supported Serbian (also mostly Slavic) expansion in the Balkans
• Austria-Hungary wanted to control the Balkans & were upset when Serbia doubled its size
What were the Short Term causes of WWI?
• Archduke Ferdinand (Austria-Hungary) was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip/Black Hand
• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and Russia began to mobilize to aid Serbia
• Germany (an ally of Austria-Hungary) declared war on Russia & France (Russia’s ally)
• Germany invaded France through Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany & Austria-Hungary