WWI Causes and Alliances Overview

Major European countries (Britain, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Italy) that were influential in the lead-up to World War I.

Britain's diplomatic policy of avoiding entanglement in European alliances.

War between France and Prussia (which led to a unified Germany) in 1871, resulting in French loss and German gain of territory.

System of military alliances between European powers, creating a web of obligations.

Chancellor of Germany, who initiated the Three Emperors' League to isolate France.

Region in southeastern Europe, a source of conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia.

Competition among European powers to acquire colonies in Africa and Asia.

Motivations for acquiring colonies: Cheap labor, markets for goods, raw materials, and national pride.

Unquestionable loyalty to one's nation, prioritizing national interests above all else.

National pride fueled by expansionism and the belief war is unavoidable.

German belief in expanding German influence and power in Europe.

Russian ideology uniting all Slavic people under Russian control.

Movement advocating for Serbian unification in the Balkans.

Competition between Britain and Germany to build the most powerful navies.

Methods like conscription, advanced weaponry (e.g., submarines, aircraft), and naval buildup to increase a country's military strength.

Compulsory military service.

Military plans to defeat enemies.

Necessity for Britain to maintain its defense given its island geography.

Germany's wartime policy of attacking any ships, including neutral ones, without warning in World War I.

A series of meetings held in Paris after WWI to negotiate peace treaties and determine the terms for ending the war.

The group of nations that fought against the Central Powers in World War I (e.g., France, Britain, Russia).

A revolution in Russia in 1917 that overthrew the Tsarist government and led to Russia's withdrawal from World War I.

British tanks in 1916 made trench warfare less effective during World War I.

To protect Britain's coastline, overseas empire, and trade ships

Germany wanted a strong navy to match Britain's power and grow its empire, driven by Kaiser's ambitions.

Development of more powerful battleships (dreadnoughts) by Germany, but it was incredibly expensive and resulted in giving up the naval arms race.

Conflict over Morocco's colonization, ultimately won by France with Britain's support, forcing a compromise on Germany.

France gained complete control of Morocco, granting some African lands to Germany in return.

Series of wars in the Balkans involving Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro against the Ottoman Empire, culminating in Serbia's territorial gains and worsened relations with Austria-Hungary.

Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing opposition from Serbia and contributing to escalating tensions.

Both France and Britain wanted to colonize Morocco due to its resources and strategic location in the Mediterranean and Africa.

Morocco's location provided significant control over trade routes, entrances of sea, and borders.

International meetings aiming to reduce military spending and control global conflicts.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, assassinated in Sarajevo.

The assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a member of the Black Hand.

Austria-Hungary's demand for Serbia to respond to accusations within 48 hours.

The escalation of a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia into a global war.

Germany's strategy to avoid a two-front war, targeting France first.

The group of countries (Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, Ottoman Empire) opposed to the Allied Powers in WWI.

The main theater of war in Eastern Europe, involving mostly Russia against Germany and Austria-Hungary.

The main theater of war in Western Europe, involving mainly Britain and France against Germany.