causes of WWI

1. Prelude to War:
The Underlying Causes

2. I. Peace efforts
1. Prior to 1914, Europe had been mostly at peace for 100
years.
2. By 1900, many organizations were created to keep peace
a) 1869 first modern Olympic Games held
b) Alfred Nobel set up first Nobel Peace Prize
c) Large support for pacifism (opposition to all war)
d) 1899 first Universal Peace Conference- est. a world court
3. Europeans began to believe war was something of the
past

5. II. Nationalism
1. Tensions were also rising due to aggressive nationalism
2. Russia was sponsoring Panslavism (movement aimed at unity
among all Slavic nations)
3. French and German nationalism on the rise
4. Nationalism in the Balkans was becoming more intense
a) The area became known as the “Powder Keg of Europe”-
(too many nationalities and religions living together)

6. III. Imperialism
1. Rivalries over colonies brought some countries to
brink of war
2. Competition for colonies increased mistrust b/w
Great Euro. Powers: Germany, France, Russia, Great
Britain, Italy, and A-H
3. Imperialism would lead countries to create larger
militaries

7. IV. Militarism
1. militarism (building up of the military)
2. In order to defend the empires, European powers
began building up their militaries
3. Great Britain and Germany began a competition in
building the largest navy
4.Gaining more military power led to an arms race

10. V. Alliances
1.Building militaries led countries to create
Alliances; however, some of the alliances
were made in secret
2.1879- The first major alliance was the Dual
Alliance b/w Germany and A-H
a)1881- Italy joined Dual Alliance, making it the
Triple Alliance
b)When WWI breaks out, this alliance becomes
the Central Powers

12. 3.Bismarck forged secret alliance w/ Russia;
pact dissolved when William II removed
Bismarck from power
4.1892- Russia and France form secret
alliance
a)1904- Britain and France form the Entente;
1907 Russia joins, creating the Triple Entente
b)When WWI breaks out, this alliance will be the
Allied Powers