Origins of World War IOrigins of World War I

US HistoryUS History

LONG-TERM CAUSESLONG-TERM CAUSES

Cause #1: NationalismCause #1: Nationalism

• Pride in one’s country

• Your country is more important than others

• “Me First” led countries to hate each other and want out do each other and want revenge

• Industrial output, strong military, colonies are all an expression of nationalism and pride

• Pride has its limits!

Example: The BalkansExample: The Balkans

• Ottoman Empire & Austria Hungary contained many ethnic groups

• They all wanted independence and to join their “brothers” in other nations (Serbia)

• Would do anything to get this

Example: Alsace-LorraineExample: Alsace-Lorraine

• Between Germany & France

• Mainly German speaking people

• 1871: France lost it to Germany (Franco-Prussian War)

• France wanted it back!

Cause #2: ImperialismCause #2: Imperialism

This is just the British Empire in 1914

Cause #3: MilitarismCause #3: Militarism• Glorification of the

military

• Had to have strong armed forces to be a world power

• Result: Arms race

• Industrialization led to strong weapons

• Human nature: build an army, then use it

Cause #4: Alliance SystemCause #4: Alliance System

• They all were afraid that they would be attacked

• Needed friends to “watch their backs”

• Attack on one was an attack on all

• Knowing this, nations acted recklessly

Triple EntenteTriple Entente

Triple AllianceTriple Alliance

The Spark: AssassinationThe Spark: Assassination

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia (many Serbs here)

• Black Hand wanted to join with Serbia

• Saw Ferdinand as a tyrant

Eyewitness AccountEyewitness AccountSeven conspirators joined the crowd lining the Archduke's

route to City Hall. Each took a different position, ready to attack the royal car if the opportunity presented itself. The six-car procession approached one conspirator, Gabrinovic, who threw his bomb only to see it bounce off the Archduke's car and explode near the following car.

Unhurt, the Archduke and his wife sped to the reception at City Hall. The ceremonies finished, the Royal procession amazingly retraced its steps bringing the Archduke into the range of the leader of the conspiracy, Gavrilo Princip. More amazingly, the royal car stopped right in front of Princip providing him the opportunity to fire two shots. Both bullets hit home.

The Chain ReactionThe Chain Reaction

Schlieffen PlanSchlieffen PlanInternet Animated MapInternet Animated Map