WWI Causes Notes PDF

The Road to World War I Causes of World War I 1914 - 1918 Trouble in Europe ​ Germany, Russia and Italy wanted to expand ​ European countries were building up armies ​ Alliances were built between countries ​ If one country in an Alliance went to war,...

The Road to World War I Causes of World War I 1914 - 1918 Trouble in Europe ​ Germany, Russia and Italy wanted to expand ​ European countries were building up armies ​ Alliances were built between countries ​ If one country in an Alliance went to war, so did others 4 M.A.I.N Causes of World War I: Alliances – Allied Powers vs. Central Powers The Big Problem ​ Countries taking over territories and building up strong militaries. ​ Competition and rivalry has created a great deal of tension in Europe. ​ Even the tiniest spark could cause war between two countries ​ Because of alliances, war between 2 countries will turn into war between many countries The Spark ​ On June 28, 1914 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife of Austria Hungary are visiting Bosnia ​ Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed in Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist who believed that Bosnia should belong to Serbia. The Point of No Return Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. Russia pledged their support for Serbia. Germany declares war on Russia. France pledges their support for Russia Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to France. Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany What Should America Do? ​ Many Americans believe that it is Europe’s war. ​ President Wilson encourages NEUTRALITY - We should stay out of it. ​ “Armed Neutrality”: remain neutral but ready to defend ourselves