The Great War: A Glimpse into the Past

1. TheFirstWorldWar

2. “The Great War” They sent us all to war, They told us to be ready to fight. But all they really cared about, Was if we were ready to die. It’s called the Great War; I guess I know why, ‘Cause it was so big, and so many died. Like me, yeah I’m just a ghost, Coming back from the past just to pass you a note, And pass on what I know, yeah I’ve seen a lot, I’ve seen soldiers line up, and seen ‘em drop. Where should I begin? What was the meaning? Those who don’t remember mistakes repeat ‘em. And why’d it happen? I’mma sound out the reasons, First, all these European states were scheming. Imperialism – they wanted to expand, Control people, control land. Plus they had new ships and guns, Militarism – that’s how these nations spending their funds. And they had alliances and pacts, Like if you punch him, I’mma punch you back.

3. “The Great War” And the people just cheer and grin, Nationalism, everyone wants their team to win. Yeah, it was like a bomb set to blow, Was it inevitable? Well that’s debated, But when Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, The camel’s back broke, that was the last straw. One domino goes down, they all fall, Like… I saw my best friend die, But I still see him, He’s right there by my side. (x2) I hope you’re ready for more, Propaganda’s all over; they’re selling the war, Telling us all lies to enlist us, Saying we would return to our loved ones by Christmas. We were so amped – thought war was harmless, How can you hug your family when you’re armless? Stuck in a trench like a baseball dugout, But when they get a hit, we have to pull a slug out.

4. “The Great War” And back home, they're eating rations, Just a little food that has to last. In Total War, we’re all playing our parts, Women in factories making our parts. African armies, colonial soldiers, All fight in Europe; they’re following orders. New technology vs. old tactics, That means the whole death toll is massive. New weapons, they’re killing us fast with, Submarines, tanks, and poisonous gasses, Big guns that go ratatatat, Machine gun fire make a boy fall flat. It’s not all quiet on the Western Front, Nor the Eastern front, I won’t even front. I’m so shell-shocked I don’t speak for months, They might ship me in a box to my grieving mom.

5. “The Great War” I’m scared, I’m cold, soaked through my coat, Four years later, a little hope. Armistice, the fire ceased, Then the Treaty of Versailles meant peace. They cut up Eastern Europe, put shackles on Germany. “Think that’ll work out?” Certainly! At least this was the “War to End War,” We’ll never have another world war, for sure… I saw my best friend die, But I still see him, He’s right there by my side. (x2)

6. Background… • In the 1800’s the countries in Europe were becoming stronger and more powerful. • Europe used to be like Africa with many small territories ruled by different people. • Of course, some territories joined together and became more powerful. • Bonds were based on things people had in common, such as a similar language, traditional beliefs and customs  created countries…

7. Background… • The desire to be powerful and strong made the new countries aggressive towards each other. • They became jealous of the things other countries had. • In order to be the most powerful country, they developed weapons to win wars & modern navies to conquer other countries.

8. European Empire • European countries wanted to control as many territories as possible. • Colonisation… • Use people in their armies to fight against the enemies…

9. And now the Queen is like… LOOK AT ALL OF THE COUNTRIES I USED TO OWN

10. Causes… And why’d it happen? I’mma sound out the reasons, First, all these European states were scheming. Imperialism – they wanted to expand, Control people, control land. Plus they had new ships and guns, Militarism – that’s how these nations spending their funds. And they had alliances and pacts, Like if you punch him, I’mma punch you back. And the people just cheer and grin, Nationalism, everyone wants their team to win. Yeah, it was like a bomb set to blow, Was it inevitable? Well that’s debated, But when Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, The camel’s back broke, that was the last straw. One domino goes down, they all fall,

11. Causes of WWI: M= Militarism A= Alliances N= Nationalism I= Imperialism A= Assassination

12. Militarism: when a military force of a country gets a lot of attention from the government. (For Example: When a government helps economically to improve the military force) • At a time in Europe, there was a competition to have bigger armies and navies. • In the 1900’s , there was an “arms race” between countries. Armies in both France and Germany had more than doubled between 1870 and 1914. • Countries like Germany were upgrading their armed forces, which made other countries fear an attack. • Some countries felt like they needed to agree to war and help attack other countries or they would be attacked! • Germany had the biggest increase in the military! • Great Britain and Germany both increased their navies during this time period.

13. Alliances: we all know you feel stronger with some support…… • Countries in Europe had signed treaties with other countries because they thought making alliances would promise peace; • Each country would be protected by the allied countries in case of war • This helped WWI to begin because it made the war a global crisis instead of a local one. …….why would alliances be considered a cause of the World War??????

14. Alliances that were made: • The countries of the “Triple Entente” / “Entente Cordiale” in WWI included: • Russia • Britain • France

15. Triple Alliance: • The countries of the Triple Alliance included: - Germany - Austria-Hungary - Italy The alliance system helped caused WWI……

16. Nationalism: share a feeling of same customs and culture • Probably the biggest cause of WWI! • Makes people proud of their country • Countries built up their armies, added more weapons for more power • Example: Most important reason for Serbia to enter WWI was Serbia didn’t want to be a part of the Austria-Hungary Empire anymore and wanted to be it’s own country. …so how did Nationalism help cause the war????

17. Imperialism: when a country’s wealth and power increase by invading and taking over more land • By 1900~ the British Empire was ruling colonies over the 5 continents, and France had control of large areas in Africa. • At that time, industry was rising and countries needed new markets so some countries wanted to expand to take over MORE land and MORE resources. • The British felt endangered by Germany’s fast economic growth….that’s when some countries in Europe (like Germany and Italy) felt jealous and felt they needed to expand and conquer more land.

18. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: • June 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Royal Prince of Hungary) and his pregnant wife Sophie while they were in Sarajevo, Bosnia which was a part of Austria-Hungary. • This was a protest to Austria-Hungary having control of Bosnia. Serbia wanted to take over Bosnia. • This assassination led to Austria- Hungary declaring war on Serbia.

19. Russia began preparing its army due to its alliance with Serbia….and Germany declared war on Russia. • Allied countries had to support each other and thus……… World War I began… The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was not accidental and was a major factor for causing the war.

20. The countries didn’t expect the war to last this long, cost so much, be so devastating or to claim so many lives, but WWI did. • Germany lost a lot during the war. This country wouldn’t want to be at war if it had known the cost or results….casualties. • Through killing, WWI was won! • Humans killed each other for power!