Causes and Impact of WWI

• The MAIN causes of WWI were Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism

Militarism

• Industrialization led to the modernization of European militaries.
• New weapons were developed.

Alliances

• Europe was connected through a system of alliances.
• Members were required to aid each other in case of an attack.

Imperialism

• Economics was a primary motivator for imperialism.
• Competition for trade and colonies strained relations.

Nationalism

• Many European nations developed strong nationalist sentiments.

Countries Involved

• Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria were involved in WWI.
• The United States joined later.

Differences from Previous Wars

• WWI saw the introduction of modern weapons like machine guns, poison gas, and u-boats.
• WWI involved countries from all over the world.
• Soldiers from India, Australia, and Africa fought for the British Empire.
• The United States joined, becoming a powerful ally.
• WWI was more deadly, modern, and worldwide.

Impact on Civilians

• Women took on new roles in factories, farms, offices, and as nurses, gaining independence.
• Efforts to help the war helped women gain the right to vote in some countries after the war.
• Many children lost family members and faced food shortages.
• Some children had to work to support their families.
• Minority groups faced discrimination but were asked to fight or work for the war.
• African American soldiers in the U.S. military served in segregated units and were often treated unfairly.
• Some minority groups were accused of being enemies or spies.

Propaganda

• Propaganda boosted people’s spirits.
• It encouraged support and sacrifice.
• Civilians were convinced to work harder, conserve supplies, and join the army or support troops.

Russian Revolution - Causes

• Tsar Nicholas failed to address Russia’s political, economic, and social issues after the First Revolution.
• The war caused severe food shortages, inflation, and many deaths.
• Soldiers were poorly trained and lacked supplies.
• Civilians struggled to survive without enough food.

Impact of the Russian Revolution

• Russia dropped out of the war.
• Germany moved troops from the Eastern Front to the Western Front in France.

End of WWI

• The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for starting the war.
• Germany had to accept full responsibility, pay huge fines, lose land and colonies, and reduce its military.
• New countries were created.
• The League of Nations was created to keep peace and prevent another world war.