 The underlying causes of
World War I were:
 Militarism – many countries were building up their military and getting ready for war.
 Alliances – countries allied with one another for protection and markets.
 Imperialism – countries wanted to expand and conquer other countries for land, resources, and markets.
 Nationalism – strong feeling towards one’s country

Nationalism:
The belief that national interests & national unity should be placed ahead of global cooperation & that a nation’s foreign affairs should be guided by its own self interest .
Imperialism:
Imperialism caused
European nations to compete with one another due to industrialism & the need for raw materials. All of which created an underlying tension in
Europe
Militarism:
(The development of armed forces & their use as a tool of diplomacy)
Because of nationalism & imperialism European nations began building up their armed forces. Each nation wanted its armed forces to be stronger than those of any potential enemy.
By 1890, Germany was the strongest nation in Europe. They set up an army reserve system that drafted young men, trained them & then returned them to civilian life until they were needed.

Nationalism, Imperialism & Militarism created mutual hostility, jealousy, fear
& desires between the nations of
Europe, which ultimately led to the signing of treaties between these various nations. These treaties committed them to support one another if they faced attack. There were two major alliances: the Triple
Alliance and Triple Entente.

“The nations were caught in a trap. . .there was no looking back.”
General Joffre, on the eve of the
Battle of the Marne,
August, 1914
What do you think
General Joffre meant by this statement?
Record on Left Side of your notes.

Catch Phrases To Help You Understand Each
Country’s Position
Britain and France Europe’s liberal powers
“What spoiled children we are”
Germany and Italy - The new nations
“We demand our place in the sun”
Austria and Russia - Dying dynasties
“Hard times make for hard lines”
Central Europe - The Balkan “tinderbox”
“We wanna be free!”

ilitarism
lliances
mperialism
ationalism

–European competition for colonies
–Quest for colonies often almost led to war
–Imperialism led to rivalry and mistrust amongst European nations

• In the 1800s, there was a race between the European powers to seize as much of
Latin America, Africa, Asia, and in Eastern
Europe.
• The largest empire = greatest power and wealth.
• England had the largest empire-”The sun never sets on the British crown.”

Connection of Imperialism to Militarism
• The British at home had grown accustomed to British conquests overseas.
• They were no more than dimly aware of the bloodshed and violence these conquests required, having never come face to face with the reality of war.
• The great increase of British exploits overseas was done by the increase in elementary education and that most of the population could read newspapers.
• A popular press soon grew up which had fanned the nation into enthusiasm for the colonial conquests.
• Millions believed that rather than spreading exploitation or destroying social organization, the conquests represented the brining of civilization to an uncivilised world.
• It created national confidence and a sense of righteousness about military power.
• This is seen in Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “The White Man’s Burden.”

• And the deep on either hand.
• Now, this is the cup the White Men drink
• We have trod that road-and a wet and windy road-
• When they go to right a wrong,
• Our chosen star for guide.
• And that is the cup of old world’s hate-
• Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread
• Their highway side by side!
• Cruel and strained and strong.
• We have drunk that cup-and a bitter, bitter, cup-
• And tossed the dregs away.
• But well for the world when the
White Men drink
• To the dawn of the White Man’s day!
• Now, this is the road that the White
Men treat
• When they go to clean a land-
• Iron underfoot and levin overhead
• Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold
• When they build their homes afar-
• ‘Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons
• And, failing freedom, War.’
• We have proved our faith-bear witness to our faith,
• Dear souls of freemen slain!
• Oh, well for the world when the White Men join
• To prove their faith again!

• Between 1750 and
1900 Europe came to dominate the world economically, socially and culturally
• The only major exception was
Tokugawa Japan
• 1800: Britain ruled 20 million people
• 1900: Britain ruled
400 million people

• Britain ruled 400 million outside its own border by 1914.
• France ruled 50 million.
• Germany ruled 14 million
• Italy ruled 14 million

The Empire on which the Sun Never
Sets www.sterlingtimes.org/memorable_images19

• Aggressive nationalism was seen in the economic competition and colonial conflicts the encouraged the development of dangerous rivalries among the major
European powers.
• They were competing for foreign markets and engaged in tariff wars.
• All the great powers were competing for colonies / territory.
• The most serious rivalry was between the two industrial powers of Britain and Germany.
• The British feared Germany in Africa.
• The Austrians feared Serbia / Russia in the Balkans

• The Ottoman Empire one of the world’s most powerful states for 600 years
• Founded in 1402, it reached its zenith under
Suleiman the
Magnificent
• Renowned for achievements in literature, arts, science, law
The Ottoman Empire Under Suleiman I 1580
© 2001 http://www.ottoman-traders.com
Istanbul
University of Michigan www-personal.umich.edu/…/syl

• Ottoman Empire collapsed in 1918
– Russian expansion
– Internal reforms did take place
–
Carved up by European powers, who took advantage of instabilities
Russian Cossacks Attack the Ottoman Turks
Simbattles.britwar.co.uk/Rus_Tur

• Though Great Britain was an industrial and military powerhouse,
• By 1900 Germany surpassed her growth a
• The United States by 1910 had surpassed the industrial output of both Great Britain and Germany and countries raced to secure raw goods and materials

• Colonies would provide for raw materials such as: cotton, tea, silks, peanut and palm oil (from West Africa) which were used for lubricant in machinery
• Colonies also provided ready markets for selling goods

• Foreign Military Bases
• Colonies also serve as refueling stations for cargo vessels.
• Governments can spread their cultural influence abroad

Colonial Rivalries: Asia in 1914

The German Watch in Kiao-Chau
Another cartoon from the German periodical Simplicissimus showing a lone German knight standing firm against monster-headed waves. The image portrays the resolve of the
Germans to defend their stronghold in China. It was published before the fall of Tsingtao .

Going!
Going!
——?
The
Barbarian Finds His "Place in the Sun" Too Hot for Him . From
The Tatler, London
A fat German "Barbarian" is shown as retreating from his colonies in China in the face of the heat from the Rising Sun of
Japan. Contrast this portrayal of the German as fat and cowardly with the German cartoon depicting a lone and brave
German knight defending the
German outpost in China against overwhelming odds.

• Virtually all the major powers were engaged in a scramble for empire to bolster their economies
• The fiercest competition was between Britain and
Germany and between France and Germany

• Carved up in the 19th Century by European colonies interested in protecting themselves against rivals
•
1885-6 Berlin Agreement
– France: West Africa
–
Britain: Southern and Eastern Africa, Gold Coast and
Nigeria
– Germany: Cameroons, South-West and East Africa
–
Portugal: added Angola and Mozambique
– Belgium: Congo became the possession of the monarch of
Belgium

Belgian Congo
Slaves March to the Coast www.umich.edu/ece/student_projects/slavery www.historywiz.com
www.fdungan.com/darkness
Cecil Rhodes Astride
Africa
– the Image of
British Imperialism

Colonial Disputes
• During the late 1800s, relations between Britain and France were strained by a series of disputes over African colonies.
• Both nations hoped to control Egypt and Morocco and this caused many bitter arguments.
• These were eventually settled in 1904 by the Entente
Cordiale.
• This “friendly understanding” said that Britain should control Egypt and France should control Morocco.
• However, Germany strongly objected to this agreement…

Colonial Disputes (2)
• Kaiser Wilhelm II was jealous of the empires of both France and Britain and tried to break up the “friendly understanding” between them.
• On two occasions, in 1905 and 1911, German claims over
Morocco raised international tension.
• Indeed, the “Agadir Incident” of 1911 caused Britain to hint that war might result if Germany continued her claims.
• This crisis passed, but these disputes simply made international relations worse.
• The bad feeling they created (combined with other factors) made the possibility of war more likely.

The Moroccan Crisis 1905-06
• On a visit to Morocco in 1905 the Kaiser (Germany) promised to support Moroccan independence.
• This angered the French who wanted to have
Morocco as a colony.
• Wilhelm was also testing the new alliance between
France and Britain (1904).
1
Germany test
Entente Cordial
(France & Britain)
• In a conference in 1906 Britain and Russia stood by
France and it was agreed that Germany should have no say in Morocco.
• This strengthened the Anglo-French alliance and also led to Britain’s agreement with Russia signed in
1907 and the Triple Entente.
The alliance holds firm and leads to the
Triple Entente
Germany feel threatened by the
Entente Powers
• The Kaiser felt the Entente powers were encircling
(surrounding) Germany.

The Agadir Crisis 1911
• Morocco again, this time there had been a rebellion against the Sultan which had been put down with French help.
• This was a chance for France to take
Morocco.
• Germany responded by sending a gunboat,
3
France claims
Morocco the Panther, to Agadir, a port on the
Moroccan coast.
• The Kaiser hoped to force the French into
Germany send a gunboat giving Germany a share of Morocco.
• Meantime, Britain was alarmed that
Germany was setting up a naval base in
Agadir that might threaten Britain’s naval supremacy.
Britain alarmed by
German action
See the results of this crisis next

The Agadir Crisis 1911
• Germany’s action at Agadir confirmed Britain’s worst fears: Germany was aiming to dominate
Europe.
• Britain responded by supporting France over
Morocco.
• They also signed a naval agreement whereby
Britain would defend the Northern coast of France if attacked by sea.
• France took over Morocco as a Protectorate (they governed it but it did not become part of the republic).
• Germany was given land in the French Congo as compensation but the land was mostly swamp and jungle.
• Agadir was a victory for the Entente but the Kaiser was determined not to lose again.
3
Anglo-French ties strengthened
Germany’s anger grows

Egypt's Future:
"John Bull, the last of the Pharaohs, will be embalmed in Egypt."
- Lustige Blaetter
(Berlin)
• This cartoon is commenting on how
Britain obtained Egypt and how it will be the last colony obtained if
Germany, Austria-
Hungary, and the
Ottomans have a say.

When Britain first, at heaven’s command,
Arose from out the azure main,
Arose, arose, arose from out the azure main.
This was the charter, the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang the strain.
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
The nations not so blest as thee,
Must in their turn to tyrants fall,
Must in their turn, must in their turn,
To tyrants fall,
While thou shall flourish,
Shall flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
Chorus.
Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful from each foreign stroke.
More dreadful, more dreadful
From each foreign stroke.
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
Chorus.
British Anthem that reflects
Militarism,
Imperialism, and
Nationalism

Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful from each foreign stroke.
More dreadful, more dreadful
From each foreign stroke.
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
Chorus.
Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame,
All their attempts to bend thee down,
All their attempts, all their attempts
To bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame.
But work their woe and thy renown.
Chorus.
To thee belongs the rural reign,
Thy cities shall with commerce shine,
Thy cities shall, thy cities shall
With commerce shine.
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
.

Chorus.
The muses still, with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair,
Shall to thy happy coast,
Thy happy coasts repair,
Best isle of beauty,
With matchless beauty crowned,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
Chorus.

Won’t they be edified!”
World War I introduced the world to killing and destruction on a scale never seen before. During the battle of the Somme, 19,000 men died on the first day alone. By the end of the campaign the British had gained only 125 miles of territory at a terrible cost: casualties on both sides exceeded one million. For many, the senseless slaughter represented the worst expression of European imperialism, militarism, and nationalism.
A 1914 cartoon published in the Chicago Daily News uses racial chauvinism to condemn the European war for undermining the moral supremacy of "Western Civilization."

• Come up with a strong political cartoon caption for this British cartoon on
Germany’s
Imperialism policies.
• Explain.

NATIONALISM

–Deep Devotion to One’s Nation
–Competition and Rivalry developed between European nations for territory and markets
• Example France and Germany-
Alsace-Lorraine

• The French Revolution had spread nationalism throughout most of Europe
– The idea that people with the same ethnic origins, language, and political ideals had the right to form sovereign states through the process of self-determination
• Nationalist aspirations of subject minorities threatened to tear apart the multinational empires of the Ottomans, Hapsburgs, and
Russians
– Such a development would affect the regional balance of power

• Nationalism —devotion to interests, culture of one’s nation
• Nationalism leads to competition, antagonism between nations
• Many fear Germany’s growing power in
Europe
• Various ethnic groups resent domination, want independence
• Russia sees self as protector of all Slavic peoples
NEXT

• Germany and Italy were new nations in
1870; Great Britain feared Germany’s new power
• France lost the Franco-Prussian
(Germany) War and wanted their land back
• France also wanted Germany to stay out of her affairs in North Africa (Morocco)

• Nationalists in Arabic-speaking lands sought independence from the Ottoman
Empire
• Nationalists in Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Estonia, and Poland called for separation from the Russian Empire

• Ultra-nationalism - extreme pride
• Serbia’s reaction to Austria-
Hungarian imperialism = wanted independence
• PANSLAVISM = Russia feels nationalist connection to Serbia
(They are both Slavic ethnicity)
• French want Alsace-Lorraine back from Germany

• Desire of the Slavic people to free themselves from the rule of the Austro-Hungarian and
Ottoman Empires
• This was like the Irish against England.
• Serbian nationalists became militant and demanded unification with the small Kingdom of
Serbia
• Russians promoted Pan-Slavism in the Balkans by encouraging fellow Slavic-speaking peoples in their quest to throw off Austro-Hungarian rule

• This was an age when all nations wanted to assert their power and independence.
• In Europe Slavs, aided by Serbia and
Russia, wanted to be free of Austrian rule.
Serbia’s national flag

• Poles, Czechs,
Slovaks, Serbs,
Croats, and Slovenes all had nationalist aspirations, especially the Serbs
• The Serbs were strongly supported by the Russians as part of the pan-Slavic movement
• The Austria-
Hungarians were strongly supported by the Germans

The Balkan
Peninsula
AKA
The Powder Keg of Europe

• Serbs wanted to free Bosnia and annex it to
Serbia to form a
Greater Serbia.
• Slavic
Connection

Pan-Slavism: The Balkans, 1914
The
“Powder Keg” of Europe

• Austria-Hungary & Russia were competing over the Balkan region in southeastern Europe that had been under the control of the Ottoman
Empire.
• This developed into an intense rivalry.
• This Muslim rule had been resented by the
Slavic, Christian people of the Balkans.
• But also did not want to be ruled by Austria-
Hungary or Russia.
• The Balkan ethnicities wanted to be independent. Greece, Serbia, Montenegro,
Romania, Bulgaria, & Albania all became free.

• 1908: A-H annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina to its empire.
• Bosnia was a mix of Slavic Muslims, Serbs,
& Croats.
• The Serb ethnic group wanted to be part of greater Serbia and not A-H.
• Growing resentment and liberation groups developed after this.---Black Hand (Some say they were terrorist groups.)

A 1908 Political cartoon from the
French Parisian Petit
Journal shows Franz
Josef grabbing
Bosnia -Herzogovina and an independent
Bulgaria being torn away from Turkey.
Turkey looks on dismayed.
Parisian Petit
Journal

The Bosnian Crisis, 1908
MAIN STORY:
• In 1908, Austria fully annexed Bosnia (i.e. it became part of the Austrian Empire).
• Serbia - which had been hoping to get part of Bosnia
(so it could have a port on the Adriatic Sea) protested.
• Serbia called up its army demanded a strip of land across Bosnia to the Adriatic Sea.
• Serbia was supported by Russia, which proposed a conference.
• Austria Hungary, Turkey and Germany said that a
Conference wasn't necessary.
• There was an international crisis.

The Bosnian Crisis, 1908
END:
• There was an international crisis -
Germany threatened war.
• Russia and Serbia were forced to back down and humiliated.
• Serbia was forced to agree publicly to
Austria's annexation.
• The Kaiser boasted that he had stood by Austria 'in shining armour'.

The Bosnian Crisis, 1908
RESULTS:
• There was more trouble in the Balkans
(Balkans War) in 1912-13.
• Serbia was furious (Bosnia included many
Serbs).
• This led to the assassination at Sarajevo,
1914.
• Russia vowed not to back down again – which led to Nicholas's decision to mobilise in 1914.
• Kaiser Wilhelm was proud he had helped
Austria - so after Sarajevo he gave Austria a
'blank cheque‘ … which helped cause the slide to war in 1914.

Many Europeans saw the potential danger in the explosive situation between Serbia and Austria-Hungary. The British ambassador to
Vienna, Austria, anticipated war in 1913 due to this hostility.
• “Serbia will some day set
Europe by the ears, and bring about a universal war on the Continent…I cannot tell you how exasperated people are getting here at the continual worry which that little country causes to
Austria under encouragement from
Russia…It will be lucky if
Europe succeeds in avoiding war as a result of the present crisis.”
• Is the ambassador neutral in his comments, or does he favor one country over another? How can you tell?
• Compare the ways in which the actual events that started
WWI mirror the ambassador’s concerns.

• June 28, 1914: The A-H Archduke
Francis Ferdinand and his wife were on an fourteenth wedding anniversary tour of
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia.
• This day was also the anniversary of the
Serb’s greatest historical defeat by the
Ottoman Empire that put them under
Muslim rule for 500 years
• So the parade was like rubbing salt into their old wounds and stirred up nationalism.

On a bright summer’s day, 28 June 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, heirs to one of the wealthiest empires in Europe got into their car and drove through the elegant streets of Sarajevo in Bosnia.
The couple were extremely happy that day – it was their wedding anniversary.

The Sarajevo Crisis, 1914
MAIN STORY:
• Franz Ferdinand was heir to the throne of Austria-
Hungary.
• 28 June: Seven young Bosnian Serbs - linked to the
Black Hand - lined up to assassinate him as he drove along the Appel Quay in Sarajevo.
• Nedeljko Cabrinovic threw a bomb.
• He missed and was arrested.
• The Archduke decided to return home immediately via a different route.
• No one told the driver, so he turned into Franz Josef
Street, then stopped the car ... in front of Gavrilo
Princip, who shot Franz Ferdinand and Sophie.

• A secret Serbian nationalistic society, the Black Hand, planned the assassination of the Archduke.
• Seven young Serbs were hired to carry out the plot.
• Of the seven, only Gavrilo Princip was successful and hit the Archduke in the neck and the Archduchess in the stomach.

• Assassination of
Archduke by
Serbian terrorist group-the Black
Hand

Gavrilo Princip
The killer was a 19 year-old member of the BLACK
HAND. A secret society committed to ridding
Bosnia of Austrian rule & unite all Serbs including those living in
Bosnia under one government
Princip's act gave Austria-Hungary the excuse that it had sought for opening hostilities against Serbia and thus precipitated World War I.
Today's bridge in Sarajevo, nearby the place where the actual assassination took place, is named after this hero.

Both died within minutes from their wounds. Two bullets were about to lead to the deaths of a further 20 million men!
Archduke’s bloodstained jacket Gavrilo Princip, Serbian terrorist

The Sarajevo Crisis, 1914
END:
• The assassination caused horror, but not at first an international crisis (the
Kaiser went on holiday).
• Austria provoked the international crisis by sending Serbia an ultimatum on 23 July 1914...

• July 23, 1914: A-H issued an ultimatum to
Serbia to be accepted within 48 hours. The A-H government was very confident, because
Germany had given it a “blank check” of full military and political support for any actions.
• Demand One: Suppression of all anti-Austrian activity in Serbia
• Demand Two: Dismissal of all Serbian officials the A-H objected to.
• Demand Three: Right for A-H officials to investigate the complicity of the Serbian government in the assassination.

• “

• Serbia only accepted two of the three demands. Because it was not willing to accept all three, because it would result in them giving up their sovereignty.
• A-H declared war on Serbia on July 28,
1914.
• Russia then mobilized its forces to the
German and A-H borders.
• Germany declared war on Russia on
August 1 and on France on August 3.
• Germany then invaded Belgium on August
3, 1914. So Britain then declared war on
Germany and A-H.

• Britain had Ententes with France and
Russia.
• Only “friendly agreements” but
French and Russians given impression
Britain would fight.
• The Schlieffen Plan
Sir Edward Grey
British Foreign Secretary
… “There’s some devilry going on in Berlin ”

• 1838- UK had signed a
Treaty to protect Belgium.
• Britain also scared of
Germany controlling
Channel ports .
• Did not want Germany to defeat France and dominate Europe . Britain next?
• UK issued ultimatum to
Germany to withdraw troops from Belgium. War declared August 4 1914

"N'Oublions Jamais"
"N'Oublions Jamais"
• This 1915 French poster with its passionate headline--
Never Forget !--dramatizes
Germany's brutal invasion of
Belgium in 1914.
• Neutral Belgium is personified as a traumatized mother, assaulted and ravished by savage outlaws.
• The "rape of Belgium" featured prominently, and effectively, in anti-German propaganda. (Mary Evans
Picture Library)
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

The Sarajevo Crisis, 1914

1
7
13
19
25
JUNE 1914
2
8
14 15
3
9
4 5
10 11
16 17
20 21
26 27
22 23
28 29
6
12
18
24
30
13
19
25
31
1
7
2
8
JULY 1914
3
9
4 5
10 11
14 15
20 21
26 27
16 17
22 23
28 29
6
12
18
24
30
13
19
25
31
1
7
AUGUST 1914
2
8
3
9
4 5
10 11
14 15
20 21
26 27
16 17
22 23
28 29
6
12
18
24
30
Sarajevo
Austria
Declares
War on
Serbia
Russia get ready to help
Serbia
Germany
Declares
War on
Russia
Germany
Declares
War on
France
Germany invade
Belgium
Schlieffen
Plan
Schlieffen
Plan
Britain
Declares
War on
Germany
London
Treaty
Austria
Declares
War on
Russia
EUROPE
IS
AT
WAR
28
June
28
July
29
July
1
August
3
August
3
August
4
August
6
August

AustriaHungary’s declaration of war against Serbia set off a chain reaction within the alliance system. The countries of Europe followed through on their numerous & complex pledges to support one another.
As a result, nearly all the nations of Europe soon were drawn into the war.
Triple Alliance/Central
Powers
Triple Entente/Allies
Austria-Hungary
Declares War
Serbia
Germany
As a result of Russia mobilization to the
Russian-German border,
Germany declares war on Russia on Aug. 1 st .
Russia (Serbia’s ally) moves its army toward the Russian- Austrian border. Russia also mobilized along the
German border
Russia looked to France for help. 2 days later (Aug 3) not waiting for France to react, Germany declares war on France
Russia
France
Great Britain
Britain who is linked to France, declares war on Germany & Austria-Hungary on Aug 4 th after Germany invades Belgium (a neutral country) to get to France .

On the Left Side of your notes, explain why each country would go to war:
•Serbia
•Russia
•France
•England
•Italy
•Ottoman Empire
•Austria-Hungary
•Germany
Use resources from the Powerpoint Lecture, the
Supplemental Reading, and Textbook

The Great Powers of Europe
Russia
• This was the largest of the six main powers.
However, despite its size it was very backward, the people were poor and industry was slow to develop.
Main Points
Largest power
• Russia had a long rivalry with Austria-Hungary and supported the Slavic peoples including the Serbs living in the area.
Backward industry
Poor
• Russia was also concerned like France about
Germany.
• They feared that The Kaiser aimed to build a large
Empire in Central Europe.
• Russia had lost a war to Japan in 1904 and began to build up a large army in case of any future conflicts
Supported Serbia
Fear over Germany strong army needed

The Great Powers of Europe
France
• The French could not forgive the Germans for taking Alsace-Lorraine in 1871 and were looking for an opportunity to take revenge.
• They were building up their industry and were looking to build alliances with other
European countries since the end of the
Franco-Prussian War.
Main Points
Franco-Prussian War
Alsace-Lorraine
Wanted revenge
Empire threatened
• France also had a large overseas Empire and felt threatened by the ambitions of the
Kaiser (Germany).
• They needed a strong army.
Sought alliances strong army needed

The Great Powers of Europe
Britain
• In the 19 th Century, Britain had developed a huge overseas Empire and tried to keep itself out of
European politics known as ‘splendid isolation’.
• Britain had a strong navy and needed to maintain it to protect the Empire across the world.
• France and Russia had previously been Britain’s biggest rivals.
• However, by the start of the 20 th Century Britain felt threatened by Germany’s growing power and open desire for an Empire.
• Russia had lost a war against Japan in 1904 and agreements had been reached with France over territory in North Africa.
• They were no longer such concerns.
Main Points
Overseas Empire
‘Splendid Isolation’
Strong Navy needed
Germany threatens
New enemy
Click here to see a map of Britain’s overseas Empire in
1914

The Great Powers of Europe
Italy
• Like Germany, Italy had been formed by a collection of smaller states.
• Like other European powers, Italy wanted to build an overseas Empire and looked to alliances with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Main Points
Wanted an Empire
Friend of Germany
• However, Italy and Austria-Hungary were in dispute over land on the border between them.
• This led to a conflict of interests.
• Italy had developed into a strong industrial and military power.
Relations with
Austria
Disputes with
Austria
Strong industry
Strong military

The Great Powers of Europe
Germany
• In 1871, the Prussian state defeated France in the
Franco-Prussian War.
• After this, all the German states joined together and formed the German Empire.
• Germany took the territory of Alsace-Lorraine from the French who had to sign a humiliating defeat.
• By 1900, Germany was seriously challenging Britain in terms of industrial production.
• They wanted an Empire of their own and felt they needed a strong army to defend their territory especially if the French decided to try and take back
Alsace-Lorraine.
• Wilhelm II, the Kaiser (like a king) of Germany, intended to build a strong navy to realise Germany’s
Imperial ambitions
.
Main Points
Franco-Prussian War
Alsace-Lorraine
Industry
French concern
Strong army needed
Empire wanted
Strong navy needed

The Great Powers of Europe
Austria-Hungary
• This was a large Empire made up of many nationalities, including Czechs, Poles, Germans,
Hungarians and Serbs.
• The main problem was trying to keep all these different groups together as one country.
Main Points
Different peoples
Unity issues
• Austria was very worried about the increasing strength of Serbia which had become rather powerful in the Balkan area.
• They feared that the Serbs living in Austria-Hungary would want to join with Serbia.
Threat from Serbia
Serb nationals
Threat from Russia
• Russia was a close ally of Serbia and their strong army was a great concern for Austria-Hungary.

The Great Powers of Europe Summary
Germany
Won Franco-
Prussian
War
Strong industry
Feared
French attack
Wanted an overseas
Empire to rival Britain
Developing a strong
Navy and
Army
Austria-Hungary
Collection of different nationalities
Internal problems
Feared strength of
Serbia
Worried that Serbians living in Austria-
Hungary want to join with Serbia
Concern over Russia’s close relations with
Serbia
Italy Britain France Russia
Wanted an Empire overseas
Allied to
Germany and
Austria-
Hungary
Disputes with
Austria
Strong industry
Strong military
Largest overseas
Empire
Largest
Navy
Isolated from politics
Feared
German imperial ambition
Needed to keep a strong na vy
Lost
Franco-
Prussian
War
Wanted revenge
Wanted alliances
Overseas
Empire threat from
Germany
Needs a strong army
Largest power in
Europe
Poor industry
Support for
Serbia against
Austria
Feared
Germany
Building up strong army

After looking at each country’s reasons for going to war….

Who’s To Blame?

Guglielmo (bearing the European war): "Heavens! It's beginning to get heavy
• Who does the cartoonist blame for World War
One?
• How can you tell?
Explain.

"Nothing could have been • Do you agree with more obvious to the people this statement? of the early twentieth
• If countries are on a century than the rapidity with which war was path towards war, is becoming impossible. And there a point when as certainly they did not see there is no turning it. They did not see it until back? the atomic bombs burst in
• Why or why not? their fumbling hands."
Explain.
H G Wells, The World Set Free,
1914 • Do on Left Side.
First World War.com: http://www.firstworldwar.com/index.htm
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwone/