The M.A.I.N Causes of WW1

• Militarism
• Alliance
• Imperilasim
• Nationalism

Militarism is where countries race to build up armies, navies and weapons. 

The aim of  militarism is to protect and conquer new territory.

Arms Race;

~ Is the continuing competitive attempts by two or more nations to achive superiority in quanity and quality of military arms; this inculdes aspects such as to have a larger and more skilled navy with better boats and equippment.

In 1914, as one country increased its armies the others felt obliged to increase their armed forces to keep "the balance of power".

Germany;  ~ 2,200,000 soldiers ~ 97 warships.

Austria- Hungary; ~ 810,000 soldiers ~ 28 warships.

Italy; ~ 750,000 soldiers ~ 36 warships.

France; ~ 1,125,000 soldiers ~ 62 warships.

Russia; ~ 1,200,000 soldiers ~ 30 warships.

Great Britain ~ 711,000 soldiers ~ 185 warships.

• Triple Entente
• Triple Alliance

The countries involved where Russia, Britian and France.

How It Formed;

In 1870, France lost the territories Alsace and Lorraine to Germany and they feared more attacks; so they built up its forces on its border with Germany.

In 1894, Franc eformed an alliance with Russia. Russia had borders with both Germany and Austria-Hungary. This led to both France and Russia promising to help each other if either of them where attacked.

Britain had become increasingly worried about the ever growing German forces. So in 1904 Britain and France reached an agreement and patched up their old rivalries with the Entente Cordiale.

In 1907, Britain and Russia reached a similer agreement and the Tripe Entente was formed.

The countries involved where, Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary.

How It Formed;

In 1870 the Germans were worried that France might attack them to win back their terrotries. Meanwhile, the Austrian Empries was in danger of falling apart. Some areas of the Empire were trying to become independent with the support of Russia. This meant Austria need a strong ally.

In 1879 Austria and Germany formed an alliance. They promised to help each other if either counrty went to war.

Italy saw that it would benifit from joining Austria and Germany, so in 1882 the Triple Alliance was formed.

Is the idea that to become a great Nation you need to have a great empire; this leads to countries building up large empires by conquering other countries.

The idea of imperialism was important because countries could show their powers and provide resources to their mother land.

Also it was important as the Empire would help make money for the mother land to help the country in times of hardship and war. They would also provide soldiers.

The British Empire had taken control of many countries, but feared that Germany would try to expand to try and get there "Place in the sun".

Is where one country believes that is supirior to others.

It is also a "sentiment of love for your country and the willingness of sacrificeing your self for it".

Nationalism was an important factor because with newer technoigly, each country believed that their country was superior to the others and believed that they owed their country something.