2. State of the World
• Before World War I the
last time the Europeans
nations all sat down
together to discuss issues
was at the Congress of
Vienna (1814).
• There had been many
changes to Europe since
that time – rise of new
nations, industrialization,
and imperialism.

3. Changes to Europe 1815 - 1914

4. Rise of Militarism
• As nations unified and
developed a national identity
many of them also built up
their militaries.
• Having a strong military
showed national pride and
helped nations to become
imperial powers.
• Militarism is the belief that it
is important to always have a
large standing army, even in
times of peace.

5. Creation of New Alliances Part I
• Europeans made alliances
during the Congress of
Vienna to prevent war,
but many changes had
happened to Europe since
that time.
• Otto von Bismarck
created a new alliance for
the unified Germany
called the Triple Alliance
which included Germany,
Austria-Hungary, and
Italy.

6. Creation of New Alliances Part 2
• When Britain learns
about the Triple
Alliance they are
concerned that
Germany is becoming
too powerful.
• Britain creates their
own alliance called the
Triple Entente which
includes Britain,
Russia, and France.

7. Alliances Leading into World War I

8. Problems with Imperialism
• Imperialism led to
intense competition
between nations for
power and
resources, and created
many enemies between
nations.
• Imperialism also fueled
nations’
militarism, leading to
them building up large
armies and navies to
compete.

9. Increase in Nationalism
• Newly unified nation -
states, such as Germany
wanted to demonstrate
how strong and powerful
they were by building up
their militaries.
• This threatened other
nation – states, and also
led to nations that did not
yet have their own
countries to want
independence.

10. Important Events Leading to War
• Tensions are high in Europe amongst the nation –
states.
• Otto von Bismarck creates the Triple Alliance to
protect Germany.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II (new emperor of Germany) fires
Bismarck and decides to build up his army and navy.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II’s decisions concern Britain. They form
the Triple Entente.
• These new alliances increase tensions even more in
Europe.
• Causes of war: MAIN – militarism, alliances,
imperialism, nationalism.

11. Key Players – Kaiser Wilhelm II of
Germany

12. Key Players – Otto von Bismarck of
Germany

13. Key Players – Tsar Nicholas II of Russia