Causes of the First World War
There are many causes of the first world war. This activity looks at some of the major reasons for war breaking out.
Long Term Causes
The Scramble for Africa
World Map showing Empires held by European states in 1914.
Many European nations wanted to have Empires. Between 1870 and 1914 much of Africa was colonised by European countries. This led to several arguments between European nations. For example the Germans and French argued about Morocco in 1906 and 1911.
The dispute over Alsace Lorraine.
In 1870-71 the German army attacked France. The Germans won this short war. As a ‘prize’ they took the regions of Alsace and Lorraine from France. The Germans claimed that they were rightfully German, the majority of people living here were French however. The French were very upset by this and wanted the land back. They were also fearful of the Germans attacking again.
Map showing the location of Alsace Lorraine.
The consequences of the Franco-German war (the war between France and Germany) were that France became suspicious and mistrustful of the Germans. They made sure that they had a large army and lots of defences to stop invasions. This in turn kept the Germans suspicious of the intentions of the French.
The Russo-Turkish War
The BALKANS (area between Austria and Turkey) was an area thatthe Austrians ruled much land in. However some of the countries in the area had very strong links with Russia and Turkey. Both of these countries were eager to increase their influence in the area. In 1878 this led to war between Turkey and Russia. From this point on the Balkans was an area that the Austrains, Turks and Russians argued over. Each wanted control of the area and they encouraged people in the area to support their claims for power.
Short Term causes
The Naval Race
The German emperor Willhelm II had a dream of being an imperial ruler. He set his sights on having an Empire to match that of the British. To do this he would need to have a large and powerful navy. In 1900 Willhelm decided to put this dream into practice. He ordered the construction of several large and powerful boats. The British saw this as a threat and responded by building a ‘Dreadnought’. This was a fast and very dangerous boat. In turn the Germans started building this type of boat. A race started to have the largest navy. This race led to tension between Germany and the British.
The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the crown prince of the Austrian empire. In 1914 he and his wife went on a visit to Serbia, a country that Austria had a strong influence over. Several Serbian nationalists, who wanted independence from Austria, decided that they would try to kill the prince. On 28th June 1914 they succeeded. His death led to the Austrian government making very strong demands on Serbia. Russia, keen to gain influence in Serbia, supported the Serbs. Days later the First World War had begun with the Germans declaring war on Russia.
Franz Ferdinand and his wife shortly before they were assassinated.
Activities
What was the Scramble for Africa?
Why were the French suspicious of the Germans?
Why were the Balkans likely to cause conflicts in Europe?
Why did Britain and Germany have a Naval Race?
Who was Franz Ferdinand and why was he shot?
For each of the causes mentioned on these sheets say whether they are examples of Militarism, nationalism or imperialism.