World War I

1914 – 1918U.S. Involvement 1917 – 1918

Europe Before WWI

Causes of WWI

Long Term:

1. Nationalism

2. Imperialism

3. Militarism

4. Alliance System Immediate Cause:

1. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Nationalism

A devotion to the interests and culture of one's nation

Many ethnic minorities resented domination by others and longed for their own nation or to be protected by larger nations. EX) Russia considered itself as the protector of Europe's Slavic peoples no matter where they lived (Serbs in A-H)

Imperialism

A growing, industrializing Germany began competing world-wide for colonies (along with other nations)

Militarism

Due to the vast empires, more and more military spending was taking place.

Each nation had to have a large enough army in order to compete with other nations with large armies

Germany began to update and enlarge their navy, forcing other nations (including the US) to enlarge and update their navies.

Alliance System

In 1907 there were 2 major defense alliances in Europe:

1. The Triple Entente (Allies) – France, Great Britain, & Russia

2. The Triple Alliance – Germany, A-H, and Italy. Later, Italy would join the Allies and the Ottoman Empire would join Germany & A-H and be known as the Central Powers.

An attack on one, is considered and attack on the others!!

Alliances in 1914

The Balkans

Known as the “powder keg” of Europe,the Balkans area was where the 4 long-term causes of WWI converged and exploded with the assassination of the heir to the A-H throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The assassination took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia (which had been annexed by A-H). Many ethnic Serbs were upset about the annexation and wanted their own nation.

The Balkans

The “Powderkeg” of Europe

Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, Alliance system

The bomb is the Balkans

The fuse that set off the bomb was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The Alliance Dominoes Fall

A-H declares war on Serbia (blamed for the assassination)

Russia declares war on A-H Germany declares war on Russia & France Great Britain declares war on Germany

The “Great War” is on! (not referred to as WWI until WWII)

WWI Overview

WWI Overview