World War I1914-1918

Why was World War I a critical development in global history? The first large-scale industrial war Colonies dragged into conflict Enormous costs (financial & human resources) USA taken more seriously on world stage Revolution in Russia Soviet Union (try Communism) Japan a greater imperial power in Asia Old Empires collapse (ex. Ottoman Empire)

Middle East in hands of Europeans (Epic Fail!) Jews promised land in Middle East

Colonies see European weaknesses Strengthened nationalist movements in colonies (want self-determination) Groundwork for further turmoil in Europe

Paris Peace Conference, 1919 (Epic Fail!) League of Nations (Epic Fail!) Totalitarian regimes in Germany & Italy – WANT REVENGE! (Epic Fail!)

Causes of World War I M.A.N.I.A. swept through Europe!

M. ilitarism needed larger militaries to protect empires

European countries compete arms race! ex. Germany vs. Britain

dreadnoughts conscription u-boats

war glorified

A. lliances Complex alliance systems developed during

1800s – early 1900s for mutual protection

Allied Powers: Britain, France, Russia, Italy (formerly a Central Power)

Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

N. ationalism Competition & antagonism between nations Intense nationalistic passions of European

nations clash with other nations’ interests

Examples: Pan-Slavism of the Balkans hold off threats by

Austria-Hungary & Ottoman Empire Fears of growing German strength Russia sees self as protector of all Slavic peoples

I. mperialism Industry drives colonial land-grabbing European nations competed for colonies

= $$$ and Prestige!

Arguments over control of: Africa Asia The Balkans

A. ssassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Balkans = “powder keg of Europe”: ethnic rivalries between people of Balkans major rival powers have different interests there

Serbian terrorist organization assassinated heir to throne of Austria-Hungary

Powder keg explodes!

A New Kind of War Trench warfare stalemate

Industrial warfare Tanks Airplanes Submarines Machine guns Chemical weapons

Non-Europeans participate Massive casualties for minimal gains

High Costs of War