Notebook page 1: The Road to the Great War: Unraveling the Cause

The belief in maintaining a strong military and being prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.

A diplomatic approach to resolving international disputes peacefully.

The reduction of military forces and weapons to promote peace.

The establishment of international organizations to prevent war.

European nations forming defensive alliances to prevent future conflicts

Governments promoting military strength while expanding armies and naval power in preparation for war

Empires competing for overseas colonies to secure raw materials and markets

Nationalist groups seeking independence from multinational empires

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

Great Britain, France, Russia

Germany, France, Russia

Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Italy

Created instability in the Balkans

Fostered unity among all European nations

Fueled national hatreds

Encouraged independence movements

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire created a power vacuum that Britain and France competed to control

Germany’s desire to expand eastward placed it in direct conflict with Russia over Balkan territory

Long-standing religious conflicts between Catholics and Muslims made diplomacy in the region impossible

Austria-Hungary’s fear of Serbian nationalism, combined with Russian support for Serbia, intensified regional instability after the Balkan Wars

Blank Check, Ultimatum, Mobilization

Treaty, Mobilization, Surrender

Ultimatum, Invasion, Armistice

Mobilization, Treaty, Blockade

Russia’s mobilization triggered the Schlieffen Plan, leading Germany to attack Belgium and violate a treaty Britain was obligated to uphold

Germany declared war on France, forcing Britain to honor its alliance with Russia

Austria-Hungary’s conflict with Serbia escalated, compelling Britain to support its European allies

France’s refusal to surrender territory led Germany to seek British neutrality through diplomacy

Germany's invasion of France

Germany's invasion of Russia

Germany's invasion of Belgium

Germany's alliance with Austria-Hungary

The policy of glorifying military power and keeping a large standing army prepared for war.

The formation of alliances between European countries.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The spread of nationalism across Europe.