WW1 Causes

• Alliances

  • Bulgaria

• Colonialism

  • Difference from Imperialism: Colonialism refers specifically to the process of invading other countries, while Imperialism is a broader ideology of building empires.

  • Spain / Portugal -> Britain / France

  • Germany was late to the game

    • Weltpolitik (Wilhelm II) - failed

  • Moroccan Crisis - Germany tries to gain control of Morocco from France

    • Germany attempted to damage the Anglo-French relationship, but failed

  • France allies with Britain and Russia for protection

    • Strengthened the Anglo-French alliance
    • Led to the formation of the Triple Entente

  • 

    • Germany thought they could easily break the relationship between Britain and France, but in reality, it was impossible.

• Militarism

  • Dreadnought
  • 2:1
  • UK Double Power Policy

• Situation in the Balkans

  • Pan-Slavism
  • Austria-Hungary invading Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Balkan League
  • 1st and 2nd Balkan Wars
  • Germany’s blank cheque to Austria-Hungary

• Assassination

  • Franz Ferdinand
    • Not popular among the Austro-Hungarian people
    • Conservative, Catholic
  • Supported by the Black Hand, a Bosnian organization
  • Very amateurish
  • Killed the wrong man
    • Ferdinand had positive intentions towards the Serbs (planned to establish a union between Austria-Hungary and Serbia)
  • Austria wanted a war regardless
    • 15-minute funeral
    • Unpopular archduke
    • Not really seeking revenge, but simply wanting a war?

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