The Stage is Set….

WORLD WAR I

?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??

1. What was the event that actually caused the start of World War I?

2. What were the MAIN themes behind World War I?

3. What countries made up the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente (Agreement)?

• We are entering the year 1900.

• We will be focusing on the eastern center of Europe.

Peaceful Times…?• Europe had been in relative peace between

1800-1900. • Other than Wars for Independence/Unification• But….would be undone due to aggressive

nationalism.

CAUSES of WWI•Militarism•Alliances• Imperialism•Nationalism

Nationalism•Germany, felt threatened by France, over Alsace-Lorraine.

•Hatred developed between them.

Austria-Hungary

• In Austria, ‘Slavic’ minorities wanted independence.

• People who were mostly concentrated in Russia and the Balkans.

• Today these countries contain “SLAVS”: Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Serbia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Montenegro

And in Italy, well....

• Italy had no friends….

Imperialism•Caused competition for the same resources.

•Economic rivalry; needed colonies for materials.

Militarism• Create and maintain a strong

fighting force and willing to use it if necessary.

• To protect resources and themselves.

• Armies were built, causing arms race.

Alliances•TRIPLE ALLIANCE -- 1882–Germany–Austria-Hungary–Italy aka: “Central Powers”

•TRIPLE ENTENTE - 1894–France, feared Germany.–Russia hated Austria because they controlled Slavs.

–Britain feared the new German navy.

ENTENTE• From Miriam Webster’s Dictionary –• “….an international understanding

or intent, providing for a common course of action.”

“A different take on friends with benefits….”

Remember “THE POWDER KEG”….

“The War to end all wars” is close….

?? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ??

1. What was the event that actually caused the start of World War I?

2. What were the MAIN themes behind World War I?

3. What countries made up the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente (Agreement)?