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Causes of World War I. Unit 7. WWI Video. Causes of World War I. There were 4 MAIN causes of World War I M ilitarism A lliances I mperialism N ationalism. Militarism. Definition: policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war Beginning 20 th Century:
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Causes of World War I Unit 7
Causes of World War I • There were 4 MAIN causes of World War I Militarism Alliances Imperialism Nationalism
Militarism • Definition: policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war • Beginning 20th Century: • Rise of DANGEROUS arms race • European nations believed that in order to be great they needed a powerful military • By 1914 ALL Great Powers had large standing armies (except Great Britain) • Also believed that troops had to be very mobile (ready to move and fight at any time) so generals developed mobilization plans
Militarism • Having a large and standing army made citizens feel VERY PATRIOTIC • BUT it also frightened some
Alliances • Countries formed friendships and made agreements with one another • If one was attacked all the others would step in to help • Allies • Great Britain, Russia, France, Italy • Central • Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire
Imperialism • Definition: competition for colonies (everyone wants to be the BEST and MOST powerful) • Beginning 20th Century: • European nations had been competing for colonies in Africa and Asia • Pushed nations to war • As the competition continued their mistrust and rivalry of one another strengthened
Nationalism • Definition: Deep devotion to one’s nation • Can be a unifying force within a country • Can also cause competition among other nations • All want to be the most powerful • Beginning 20th century • All of Europe’s GREAT powers were rivals • Germany, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and France