The Causes of WWI
Long Term Causes
Nationalism
Alliances
Imperialism
Militarism
Immediate Causes
Patriotism and loyalty, proud of home country, this was becoming more popular in Europe
A nation trying to expand and take authority and control
of other land masses. By taking over lands economic, political, and military means and abilities.
Europe was arguing over who should own and who has control of colonies
Colonies were important to building Empires, small colonies allowed for raw materials and manufactured goods to be taken and sold.
Britain is the largest Empire . They had colonies in all parts of the world; Africa, Caribbean, Asia, Australia, and North America.
France's empire was smaller and only occupied areas of Africa, and far east
Russia's Empire stretched along Northern Europe and parts of Asia
Building and expanding military forces, produces weaponry and threatening war
Both Britain and Germany spent millions producing and forming armies and navies
Britain had an extremely powerful army, Britian's Navy was much stronger (ruling the seas)
Britain developed a new warship (dreadnought)
1908, Germany began to try and challenge Britain
Larger armies and navies were wanted
Overseas colonies were wanted
European powers were wanting new territory, glory homeland
Wanting and trying to keep the peace in Europe, essentially a team working together
war with one meant war with all
intended to deter aggression
Alliance 1. Great Britain, France, Russia Alliance 2. Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
The war escalates much quicker with an alliance, highest powers around the world are drawn through their alliances
Assassination in SARAJEVO, SERBIA
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was the next heir to the Austrian- Hungarian Empire.
Austria-Hungary declared was on Serbia since they since they blamed the assassination on Serbia
The Black Hand was the name of the terrorist group that was responsible for the Assassination. The group wanted Serbia to become and remain completely independence from the The Austrian- Hungarian Empire.
Serbia was mobilized on by Russia its army has been released into Austria-Hungary, since Serbia and Russia are allies
Germany decreed war on Russia since Germany and Austria- Hungary and allies
France then declares war on Germany since Russia and Germany are allies.
Germany wanted to attack France, but their border protection was too strong and it would be a loss for Germany
Germany composes a plan to go around their barrier protection by cutting through Belgium
Great Britain declared war Germany after Great Britain promised Belgium to protect them if Germany tries to attack them.
Germany attacked Belgium (an otherwise neutral country) and Great Britain officially declared war on Germany
Since Canada was a member of the British empire , we were automatically at war
Men were excited to go and fight for their country and were waiting to volunteer for hours
Many lied about their age to get int o the army
It was seen as a sense of pride and honour
it was supposed to be a quick and adventurous war. around 600 000, 60 000 didn't return, and 250000 returned home from battle scarred
This was a time of maturity for Canada, Canada entered the was as a member of the British Empire and emerged WWI as a nation of their own