Causes of WW1

Militarism

Alliances

Imperialism

Nationalism

As European nations competed for colonies, they strengthened their armies and navies to protect their interests.

Germany built up its navy to compete against Great Britain, who had the largest and strongest navy. 

Agreement between countries to defend each other if one was attacked, which could trigger a war involving many countries.

The actions used by one nation to take political or economic control over another nation

Intense loyalty  to one’s nation or group and promotion of its interests above all others

Slavic people in Austria-Hungary wanted independence and Serbia supported them. 

Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated with his wife in Sarajevo, Bosnia on June 28, 1914.

Gavrilo Princip, member of Serbian nationalist group the Black Hand, assassinated Ferdinand because he wanted Slavic independence from Austria-Hungary.

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for assassination and declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

Europe’s alliance system caused the war to spread-World War I begins

WWI begins because of the alliance system. Germany and Italy have an alliance with Austria-Hungary so they become involved. 

Russia has a secret alliance with Serbia, which forces Russia to get involved. Great Britain and France get involved because they have an alliance with Russia.

 technology changed during World War I and this impacted the strategy/outcome of the war.

the new technology led to more casualties (deaths/ injuries)