Causes of WWI

Question 1

What is Nationalism?

Answer 1

A strong identification with others who share a common language and background and a belief that one’s nation is of primary importance

Question 2

Nationalism prior to 1914?

Answer 2

• Dominated international relations
• involved a form of patriotism whereby people believed that their own nation was superior to other countries and territories.
• Balkans - led to division within countries along ethnic and cultural lines.
• Serbian nationalists became passionate about freeing serbs from foreign rule

Question 3

What is Imperialism?

Answer 3

The activity and belief in empire-building; where one country rules another country, often using force to gain control over them

Question 4

Imperialism prior to 1914?

Answer 4

• Nations competed to increase their colonial territories
• Britain, Spain, France and Portugal had colonised alot of the world
• Needed new markets for all the goods that were now mass produced.
• Germany had only become a unified nation in 1871 and leaders were eager to build a colonial empire.
• Germany unsuccessfully attempted to take control of French colonies in North Africa, France defeated with support from Britain.

Question 5

What is Militarism?

Answer 5

A belief that glorifies the military ideals and argues that is is necessary to have a strong armed forced and to use them to win political or economic advantage

Question 6

Militarism prior to 1914?

Answer 6

• The race to build up armies and Navi, despite claims they were not prepared for war.
• 1870 - 1914 military spending in European countries increased by 300%
• Introduction of conscription in all major European countries
• Britain relied on navel supremacy to protect its vast overseas empire - increased power

Question 7

What are Alliances?

Answer 7

In international relations, a formal agreement between two or more states for mutual support in case of war.

Question 8

Alliances prio to 1914?

Answer 8

• European nations were involved in complex system of alliances
• Meant to create “balence of power” and deter conflict. - Key factor
• Signed binding agreements that would provide military support it one of these members were attacked.

Question 9

TRIPLE ENTENTE?

Answer 9

Britain- King George V , France- President Raymond Poincaire, Russia- Tsar Nicholas II

Question 10

TRIPLE ALLIANCE?

Answer 10

Germany- Kaiser Wilhelm II, Austria-Hungary- Kaiser Franz Joseph, Italy- Victor Emmanuel III