Causes of WWI
World War I lasted from 1914 to 1918. At the time it was called the Great War. People
thought this was going to be “war to end all wars”. Although many nations were involved,
most of the fighting took place in Europe, especially France. The United States did not
become involved militarily until 1917.
Long Term Causes of WWI: Think MAIN!
M: Militarism.
A: Alliances
Central Powers
Allied Powers (aka Allies)
Germany
Great Britain
Austria- Hungary
Belgium
Serbia
United
States
Bulgaria
France
Ottoman Empire
Russia
I: Imperialism
N: Nationalism
Short term cause of WWI
June 1914: A Serbian man shot and killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand the heir to the
throne of Austria-Hungary. THIS STARTED WWI!
July 1914: In response, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia
July-August 1914: One by one, the other nations of Europe were pulled into the war
because of their alliances