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