WORLD WAR I BEGINS

Chapter 27.1

Causes of the War◦ Nationalism

◦ nations interested only in their own success

◦ Ethnic groups without a nation dreamt of creating one

◦ Imperialism

◦ nations competed for lands abroad

◦ Alliances

◦ Triple Alliance, Triple Entente

◦ Militarism – aggressive preparation for war

◦ Industrialization allowed for larger armies and navies; new weapons

◦ Conscription: military draft

◦ Extensive plans for mobilization (preparing and organizing troops for active service)

◦ Feeds into patriotism

Causes of the War

M.A.I.N.Militarism

Alliances

Imperialism

Nationalism

(+ Balkan “Powder Keg”)

Outbreak of War

◦1914 – Serbia wanted to create Slavic empire in the

Balkans

◦ Supported by Russia; opposed by Austria-Hungary

◦Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia to prevent Serbia from

creating its empire

◦ June 28, 1941 Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-

Hungary visited Sarajevo in Bosnia

◦ Assassinated by a Serbian terrorist

Franz Ferdinand assassinated by Serbian terrorist

Austria-Hungary declares war on

Serbia

Russia declared war on Austria-

Hungary to support Serbia

Germany declared war

on Russia

The Conflict Broadens

◦Germany deployed the Schlieffen Plan and

declared war on France on August 3

◦Called for a two-front war with France and Russia

◦ Germany would conduct small holding action against Russia;

carry out rapid invasion of France through neutral Belgium

◦ Once France is defeated, move full-force against Russia

◦August 4, Britain declares war on Germany; WWI

begins

Franz Ferdinand assassinated by Serbian terrorist

Austria-Hungary declares war on

Serbia

Russia declared war on Austria-

Hungary to support Serbia

Germany declared war on

Russia

Germany enacts Schlieffen Plan;

Declares war on France

Britain declares war on Germany

WWI Begins

Activity

Need 1 sheet of paper per person; no phones; turn in to front desk when finished; use

complete sentences

1. In your own words, using what we have learned,

explain why the Balkan region is called the “powder

keg” of Europe leading up to WWI.

2.Why is nationalism considered a major cause of WWI?

3.Why is militarism considered a major cause of WWI?