Causes of World War I

The Old Countries: Britain and France had been unified nations for centuries. They have tremendous pride and they do not trust:

The New Countries: Germany and Italy. Recent nationalism has led to a desire for growth/expansion.

Both the old and new countries have a desire to obtain natural resources. This desire leads to competition for colonies and a growing distrust between the old and new countries. This distrust will cause both sides to prepare for war. Both Britain and Germany increased the size of their navies. France increased compulsory military service from 2 years to 3 years. Throughout Europe, between 1870 and 1914, military spending increased by 300%. These events lead to the formation of alliances.

The Triple Alliance (1882)- Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary agree “if any member becomes involved in a war with two or more nations, its allies will come to its aid by force of arms”.

The Triple Entente (1907)- France, Russia, and Britain form a loose coalition to help each other if necessary.

World War I Begins

• Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was visiting Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. Austria-Hungary had annexed Bosnia in 1908.
• Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand, assassinated the Archduke and his wife during his visit.
• The Black Hand had hoped to unite all Serbians, including those living in Bosnia, under one government.
• Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination. The assassination provided Austria-Hungary with a reason to crush opposition groups in both Bosnia and Serbia.
• Before Austria-Hungary took any action, they inquired to see if Germany would live up to the provisions of the Triple Alliance. Germany responded by issuing Austria-Hungary a “blank check” which meant that Germany would faithfully stand by Austria-Hungary as required by the obligations of the alliance.
• Austria-Hungary then told Serbia that their military would be entering Serbia to find the people responsible for the assassination of the Archduke.
• Serbia refused to agree to Austria-Hungary’s demand. Serbia had a secret agreement with Russia that said that if Serbia were attacked, Russia would come to their aid by force of arms.
• Russia was sure that France would help them if attacked.
• France was sure that Britain would help them if attacked.
• On July 28^th, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The next day, Russia mobilized its armies. On August 1^st, Germany kept their promise and declared war on Russia. Two days later, Germany declared war on France. Britain then declared war on Germany due to a secret treaty with France.
• The sides are set: The Central Powers- Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire vs. The Allied Powers- Great Britain, France, and Russia.
• World War I begins!!! 

Technology Surpasses Military Strategy-The New Weapons Of War

• The Machine Gun
• Poison Gas
• The Airplane
• Submarines/U-Boats
• Flame Throwers
• Barbed Wire
• Tanks