Why did the First World War start?

1. Year Nine History Why did the First World War start? Nmg 06

2. The Great Powers in 1914 • Europe dominated the political world in 1914 • Key countries were: • Great Britain • Germany • Austria-Hungary • France • Russia

3. Great Britain Great Britain Britain’s Empire was huge!

4. The German Empire • Created in 1870 after a victory over France • Germany was the most powerful country in Europe • Her ruler, Kaiser William II wanted her to be a world power

5. The Austro-Hungarian Empire • Dominated southern central Europe • Made up of 14 separate ethnic groups • Faced serious problems with groups wanting independence • On collision course with Serbia

6. France • Had been major force in Europe for many years • Controlled overseas Empire • Many French people resented and feared the new German Empire

7. The Russian Empire However Russia was perhaps the most backward of the main powers Russia was the largest of the Great Powers, stretching across 2 continents Russians wanted access to the Med – wanted control of the Straits

8. International tensions (1) Russia (over India) Britain had problems with France (over colonies) By 1914 Britain had sorted these problems out. All three countries were members of the TRIPLE ENTENTE although only France and Russia were real allies

9. International Tensions (2) William’s ambitions alarmed the British Britain and Germany found themselves in an arms race to build the new super weapon – the Dreadnought

10. Bosnia-Herzegovina was to be the key territory International Tensions (3) Austria-Hungary aimed to dominate this area Serbia was ambitious and wanted more land

11. The Alliance System Triple Entente Triple Alliance

12. Consequences of the Alliance System • The alliance system brought the threat of war closer • Any conflict between say France and Germany might also involve Russia and Austria • There were a number of conflicts in waiting! • Tensions over colonies, the naval race, Austria & Serbia were all potential problems