Causes of WW1 Flashcards
Define imperialism
The policy of extending rule or authority over foreign nation by acquiring colonies or dependent states
Name some British colonies
Australia, Canada and South Africa
Define nationalism
Pride in your nation. Your nation is best
What were some short term cause of WW1?
The Balkan wars and fights for control of the Balkan region, alliances and the increase of militarism
What are the countries that make up the Balkans?
Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia
Who wanted what of the Balkans?
Austria-Hungry wanted Serbia
Russia wanted access to the Mediterranean Sea
Ottoman Empire wanted control of the whole region
What did the conflicts in the Balkans create?
Tensions between the Balkan states and the ‘Great Powers’. In particular Serbia resented the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and their attempts to control the region
What is an alliance?
Alliance means that if a country’s allies were invaded, or if they declared war, that country would also go to war
Explain Militarism
War brings honour. A country’s power is measured by their armed forces
What happened at the start of the 20th Century?
There was also an arms race between countries which was spurred by the IR. It also meant that countries were building large, strong armies
What does MANIA stand for?
Militarism Alliances Nationalism Imperialism Assassination
What was the immediate cause of WW1?
The assassination of Austria-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Details of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand
June 28th 1914
Killed by Serbian Gavrilo Princip
Organised by Serbian terrorist group ‘The Black Hand’
They opposed Austria-Hungry’s dominance and attempts to control the region
What did Austria-Hungry do about the assassination? How did that lead to the mobilisation of armies?
Used it as a reason to make demands of Serbia to give up their land. Serbia refused so Austria-Hungry mobilised their army. In response to Austria-Hungry, Russia too mobilised their army.
