The Steps to War: World War One

1. The Steps to War: World War One

2. What one incident can you find that kicked off world war one? - Get into groups of four and discuss  work quick 5-10 minutes max!

3. The Concert of Europe • This was a period of no fixed alliances from 1815-1879 • Nations could, and did, go to war with each other and then, a few years later, team up to fight a different enemy • The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 made France and Germany bitter rivals

5. Alliances: The End of the Concert of Europe • In 1879 Germany signs a permanent alliance with Austria-Hungary called the Austro-German Alliance (the Dual Alliance) • In 1882 Italy is encouraged to join and this creates the “Triple Alliance”

7. The German Rationale • The goal of these alliance was to keep France and Russia from creating an alliance against Germany • The German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck feared a two front war • Bismarck forced the Russian government in 1887 to sign “The Reinsurance Treaty” which forced them to remain neutral for 3 years.

8. Rival Alliances Form • In 1890 the Reinsurance Treaty lapses and Kaiser Wilhelm II decides it is not needed • France immediately signs a treaty with Russia for mutual protection: The Franco Russian Alliance

9. Imperial Conflict • European nations were in competition for colonies around the world • Britain, with the largest empire in the world was the model for all other nations

11. Britain and France Settle their Differences • French and British military forces met at a place in the Sudan called Fachoda • The French decide to give in to the British, thereby setting the stage for a later military alliance

12. The Entente Cordial • In 1904 the British sign an “entente” (understanding) with the French. • The British agree to help defend France if the neutrality of Belgium or the Netherlands is violated • The new arrangement is called “The Triple Entente” and includes France, Britain and Russia

14. Years of Crisis • The Moroccan Crisis – 1905: Germany tests the new Entente • Russo-Japanese War of 1905: Russian fleet destroyed by the Japanese. • Imperial ambitions over Manchuria and Korea • Japan enters world stage • Bosnian Annexation Crisis 1908-9, Russia fails to aid Bosnians • First and Second Balkan Wars, 1911 & 1912: Ottoman Empire begins to collapse and Russia appears weak

15. The Two Alliances • Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy) • Triple Entente (Britain, France & Russia)

16. The Assassination • The Austrian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated while parading through the streets of Sarajevo on June 28th, 1914 by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian Black Hand terrorist group

17. War Becomes Inevitable • On July 23, 1914, Austria-Hungary delivers an ultimatum to Serbia • Serbia accepts the terms, but Austria declares war anyway • Russia hesitates, but decides to defend Serbia, a Slavic country like Russia • This meant that the other members of each alliance were now at war too • Since the great powers were world powers, it became a world war. • Alliance Clip

18. Homework • Please read pages 60-69 • Answer questions 1-2 on page 65 under Understand and Organize Tomorrow’s Class: Work Period • Page 74: Understand and Organize: 3, 5b, 6, 7, 9 • Analyze and Evaluate: 12, 14 • Research and Communicate: 18b