Causes of World War 1

The key to understanding why war broke out in Europe in 1914 is to think of:

LONG TERM CAUSES

SHORT TERM CAUSES (sparks or triggers)
Assassination sparks off in Sarajevo-bosnia.

Long term:
Militarism building up strong military forces to prepare for war
Alliances agreements between countries to aid and protect one another
Imperialism when one country takes over another country politically and
economically
Nationalism pride or devotion to ones country.

Germany and Britain

IN the late 1800s Germany had been growing very powerful because she had
developed her industries quickly. Germany was jealous of Britain: she wanted
more colonies so that she could build up an empire like Britains.
To do this she had to increase the size of her navy and the number of her
battleships.

Germany and Austria-Hungary

Germany formed a alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy. This is known as the
triple alliance. This made France and Russia nervous. When Germany heard of an
alliance between France, Russia and Britain Known as the Triple Entente she
felt that these enemies were surrounding her.

A German general called count von Sclieffen drew up a plan that could be used if
it seemed that Germany was going to be attacked by France and Russia at the
same time (Russia in the east and France in the west-look at your map of Europe)
S plan

The schlieffen plan involved a quick strike against France, The plan was to defeat
France in 6 weeks after which soldiers could move east to fight against Russia.
But the plan relied on one key element surprise! Germany would have to attack
first
There was another problem with the schlieffen plan. To defeat France quickly the
German army would have to pass through Belgium. However, Britain had
promised to help Belgium if she was attacked.

AustriaHungaria
n Empire

Russian
Empire

Turkey

Balkans = Bosnia, Croatia,

Serbia, Montenegro, Albania,
Greece-seeing opportunity to
fight Turks and become
independent.

Serbia want Bosnia to be their own. Bosnia have many

political groups who have different needs.

Black Hand was created in Serbia. Austria Hungary heir was assassinated by the
Black Hand. Austria Hungary declared war against Serbia because they werent
allowed into their country. Russia helps Serbia and fight Austria. Germany attack
Russia, Italy attack Britain and France.