Modern World History – October 2012

1. Alliances an international treaty of friendship that

promises military support Triple Alliance

Formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in 1882

Germany and Austria-Hungary were natural allies because they spoke the same language

Germany pursued alliance with Italy as a defense against France

• Triple Entente (entente is French for understanding)• Formed by Great Britain, France, and Russia in 1907• Largely a response to the Triple Alliance• Russia was interested in getting protection after losing a war with

Japan in 1905• France also had a secret alliance with Italy

2. Nationalism The unique cultural identity of a people based on

common language, religion, and national symbols Extreme pride in one’s nation

• Major powers had become strong through imperialism

• Many ethnic or cultural groups still wanted their own nations (especially Balkan States)

3. Militarism Increase in military spending and number of troops and

promotion of military officials to positions of political power

• Conscription – military draft• European armies doubled in

size between 1890 and 1914

• Grew out of economic competition and imperialism

• Developed elaborate military plans

Germans started developing the plan in 1905

Worried that they would one day be fighting the French and Russians at the same time

The Black Hand were a Nationalist group who wanted an independent Slavic state (instead of being ruled by Austria-Hungary)

They planned to assassinate Archduke Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne

Gavrilo Princip shot both the Archduke and his wife

Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government for this attack and declared war on July 28, 1914

Because of the systems of alliances Austria-Hungary was backed by Germany (and Italy)

Serbia was backed by Russia, who was backed by France and Great Britain

Germany saw a chance to finally use the Schlieffen Plan Invaded Belgium to get to France

This invasion of Belgium was enough to get Great Britain to declare war on Germany

By August 4, all the great powers of Europe were at war