History Causes of WW1

The Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria,and Italy (1882)

The Triple Entente - France, Britain, and Russia (1907)

Alliances - Countries throughout Europe made defence agreements that would pull them into battle, meaning , if one country was attacked , allied countries were bound to defend them.

Caused WW1 - The Triple Entente alarmed Germany, she felt surrounded. Started building up her Empire and Navy. All countries wanted to be one step ahead. 

Linked to Militarism,because Germany built up her Navy and Empire.

Imperialism - European nations ruled smalled countries called colonies, and competed with each other to collect more colonies. 

France and Britain had colonies in Africa and Asia. Germany wanted a colonial empire. 

Caused WW1 - Germany was jealous of countries that had other places where they could gather raw materials and cheap labour. Germany was buildig her empire quickly, so Britain got worried, and improved their empire. Italy only joined the alliance because thought that Germany was going to win. 

Imperialism is linked to MIlitarism, because militarism creates the weapons used to conquer new territory. 

Militarism - increased military rivalry led not only to the belief that war was coming.

Caused WW1 - When Britain made the HMS Dreadknought in 1906,Germany followed causing tension. Colonial rivalry had led to naval arms race between both countries. Increased distrust and competition. 

Militarism linked with NAtionalism, because each country was nationalist about themselves and thought they were superior and should have a better army. 

Nationalism - patriotic to your country and want to defend and fight for it. 

Caused WW1 - a nationalist Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand assassinated the Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914. Did this because they were feeling secure and confident after making an alliance with Russia. Austria had a strong alliance with Germany and declared war. 

Russia began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia.

Germany declared war on Russia.Britain mobilized its fleet of warships.

Germany declares war on France because of the Schlieffen Plan - attack France through Belgium then Russia.

Britaina and Belgium declare war on Germany. Austria declares war of Russia. 

Britain and France declare war on Austria.- 12 August 1914.