Download The Great War WW1

The Great War
WW1
This presentation will examine
the causes that led to WWI
 On June 28 1914, the Archduke of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz
Ferdinand was shot and killed. When the
news of his death was first made public
few people took notice.
 However ,this seemingly unimportant
event was to be the spark that ignited the
powder keg of war.
Four main causes
Militarism
(Arms Race)
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism
M.A.I.N
WAR
Alliances
 France and Germany had been enemies for
centuries and each had tried to get support from
other countries incase of future conflict.
 The countries of Europe sought protection by
forming alliances.
 The process of countries banding together is called
forming alliances.
 France allied itself with Russia and Britain, this
alliance was called the Triple Entente.
 Germany allied itself with Austria-Hungary and
Italy, this alliance was known as the Triple Alliance.
Alliances: The Triple Entente
“Allies”
 France had traditionally been enemies with both
Britain and Russia.
 Nevertheless, the governments of these three
countries had one thing in common, all were alarmed
at the way the balance of power in Europe had been
altered by the formation of the German Empire.
Alliances: The Triple Alliance
 The Triple Alliance was formed in 1882, largely
as a means of keeping France isolated. Germany
had defeated France in a short war from 187071 and were worried that France would seek
revenge.
Alliances
 Although the purpose of alliances was to prevent
war, they in fact had the opposite effect. Why do
you think this is?
Militarism (Arms Race)
 This is the belief in the power of armies
and navies to decide issues…essentially,
the idea that the biggest army wins.
 The ironic belief that the only way to
prevent war was to be prepared for war.
(Scare your enemies so they don’t attack) does this remind you of any present day situations?
Militarism (Arms Race)
 At the beginning of the 20th century Britain’s navy was
unrivalled.
 Being an island, Britain relied on its giant navy for
trade and to control waters.
 Britain became particularly upset by the fact that
Germany was building a huge navy.
 As the nations of Europe became more militarized they
became increasingly suspicious and alarmed by each
other’s military power.
Militarism (Arms Race)
Sir Edward Grey- British Foreign Secretary 1906-1916
 “ One nation increases its army and
makes strategic railways towards the
frontiers of neighboring countries.
The second nation makes counterstrategic railways and increases its
army in reply. The first nation says
this is very unreasonable, because its
own military preparations were only
precautions; the second nation says
that its preparations also were only
precautions, and so it goes on..”
With a partner, Summarize Grey’s opinion in your own words.
Imperialism
Britain
 Imperialism is the policy
of controlling foreign
lands either through
directly or indirectly
controlling the politics
and or economies of
another country.
 The term is used by some
to describe the policy of a
country in maintaining
colonies and dominance
over distant lands.
Egypt India
Canada
With a partner, Describe what is happening in this cartoon.
Imperialism
 Colonies are a source of raw materials and a
market for manufacture goods.
 They also give the mother country glory and
military strength.
British Empire
Imperialism
By the early 20th century:
 France owned large areas in Northwest Africa and
the Far East.
 Russia controlled a vast empire across northern
Europe and Asia
 Britain owned the largest Empire in the world
 The US gained colonies of Hawaii and the
Philippines.
 Germany wanted its “share” of colonies and world
markets as well, but by the time Germany got
around to building an empire, all that remained for
it were some territories in Africa and the pacific
that weren’t very valuable.
Nationalism
 Nationalism is a feeling of deep loyalty to one’s
nation.
 In the 19th century this was a powerful force
that helped people of the same culture come
together to form nations.
 By the 20th century, extreme nationalism was
one of the forces causing problems because
people felt so strongly they were willing to take
any action to help their nation..even start wars
to promote the interests of their “motherland”
Nationalism
 Serbia was very Nationalistic in the early 1900’s.
Nationalism
 Serbia:
– Nation on the border of the Austrian Province of
Bosnia
– Bosnia contained many people of Serbian descent who
resented being under Austrian control and wanted
Bosnia to become part of Serbia.
– These people formed the terrorist organization known
as the Black Hand whose motto was “Union (with
Serbia) or Death”.
– Gavrilo Princip was a member of the Black Hand.
A Chain Reaction
 In 1914, to demonstrate its imperial rule, the
Austro-Hungarian Empire sent its crown prince,
Archduke Franz Ferdinand to Bosina’s capital of
Sarajevo.
 His visit gave the Black Hand a chance to strike back
at the Empire, whom they saw as an invader.
 As the Archduke made his way through the city,
Gavrilo Princip shot and killed Franz Ferdinand and
his wife.
A Chain Reaction
 The assassination of Archduke Franz
Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip set off a chain
reaction of events that would eventually
cause WW1.
Great Books on Causes and Lead
Up to WW1 Europe
 Rites of Spring
– Eksteins
 Guns of August
– Tuchman