The Causes of World War I
Vocabulary Definitions Covered in This Lesson: Triple Alliance, Triple Entente, Imperialism, Militarism, Nationalism, Blank Cheque, Austrian Ultimatum, Balkins
Cause #1
At the beginning of the 20th century, the world was practising three types of --"isms". (An "ism" is a belief or a practice).
Cause #2
A juicy location called the Balkans that everyone wants to take over.
Geography: LOOK at where the blue highlighted region is located on!!
1) It's surrounded by water! (Black Sea, Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Aegean Sea) 2) When there's water....there's....TRADE ROUTES!! 3) When there's trade routes...there's....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!! |
Photo Credits: Arnold Platon from WikiMedia Commons
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Who's Everyone?
1) Ottoman Empire---is the initial controller of this area. However, they're losing control of the people who live there because--like all imperialism--no one's going to like you if you just take away a chunk of land just to harness resources for the center part of your empire. 2) Russian Empire---has frozen ports because it's so far up north so it's important to find an area to connect to a warmer southern water body for trade routes. 3) Austro-Hungarian Empire--doesn't like Slavic ideas and their culture--if Russia wants to move into the Balkans, this group will be sure and ready to fight back. |
Cause #3
The idea that your friends would back you up.
Triple Alliance:
Because these nations are so close to each other and can tolerate each other's views, Austro-Hungary, Italy, and Germany formed a friendship that can help stave off empires with larger territories such as Russia as seen in the map. (Matching size for size) |
Photo Credits: historicair & Fluteflute from WikiMedia Commons
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Triple Entente:
If you look at where the Triple Alliance was formed--it was formed quite centrally. Which means if the imperialistic nature of these empires decided to take over more territory, they will need to expand---out. This made Britain, France, and Russia more like to make a partnership with each other to "contain the threat". |
The Sparkplug:
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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The Balkans--the juicy region, wasn't just one nation. If you look at the map above, it is filled with lots of tiny different nations that have quite different views.
When a large empire--like Austro-Hungary--starts taking over these smaller nations---there's always a chance that people will not accept such "imperialistic rule" and REBEL. To quell the people's thoughts of rebelling, Austro-Hungary decided to send their crown prince (Archduke Franz Ferdinand) to "parade" the streets of the taken over Bosnia country to send a message to their people that this territory is now under Austro-Hungary's rule. During this parade, the chariot carrying the Archduke made a wrong turn and coincidentally ran into Gavrilo Princip, who is a member of a terrorist group called the Black Hand. The Archduke and his wife were shot and killed on site. |
Notes:
Nationalism--as a reminder--is a strong sense of belonging for your country. If a citizen becomes very passionate for their country and starts promoting their flag, their food, their culture--some would describe it as very patriotic. However, if one cares for their country to the point where they will wreak havoc and destruction, including taking the lives of others--this is considered to be terrorism. Describe what you think of this scenario if you were an observer of this event. Do you think it's a good idea to send a leader in to parade around a captured area to exert enforcement that this territory is now theirs? Why or why not? |
The Result:
1) Germany tells Austro-Hungary that they will give them a "blank cheque".
2) Austro-Hungary gives Serbia an "ultimatum" that they have to do the following things in order to avoid the country declaring war on them.
2) Austro-Hungary gives Serbia an "ultimatum" that they have to do the following things in order to avoid the country declaring war on them.
- Serbia needs to get rid of all people who are anti-Austro-Hungary in the government, military, and schools
- Austro-Hungary is allowed to send people into Serbia's country to find out who ordered the attack
- Serbia needs to give up control and allow Austro-Hungary to conclude their investigations
3) Serbia only partially agreed, therefore Austro-Hungary declares war.
4) Russia declares war on Austro-Hungary
5) Germany tells Russia to stop. Russia refused. Germany declares war against both Russia and France.
6) Germany invades France. Britain steps in to help France.
7) Canada gets automatically dragged into war because they were still under British control.
4) Russia declares war on Austro-Hungary
5) Germany tells Russia to stop. Russia refused. Germany declares war against both Russia and France.
6) Germany invades France. Britain steps in to help France.
7) Canada gets automatically dragged into war because they were still under British control.
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