why did the first world war start?
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Year Nine History. Why did the First World War start?. Nmg 06. The Great Powers in 1914. Europe dominated the political world in 1914 Key countries were: Great Britain Germany Austria-Hungary France Russia. Great Britain. Great Britain. Britain’s Empire was huge!. The German Empire. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Why did the First World War start?
Nmg 06
The Great Powers in 1914
• Europe dominated the political world in 1914
• Key countries were:• Great Britain• Germany• Austria-Hungary• France• Russia
Great BritainGreat Britain
Britain’s Empire was huge!
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
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
France
• Had been major force in Europe for many years
• Controlled overseas Empire
• Many French people resented and feared the new German Empire
The Russian Empire
Russians wanted access to the Med – wanted control of the Straits
Russia was the largestof the Great Powers,stretching across 2
continents
However Russiawas perhaps themost backward
of the mainpowers
International tensions (1)
Britain had problems with Russia (over India)
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
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
International Tensions (3)
Serbia was ambitiousand wanted more
land
Austria-Hungary aimed todominate this area
Bosnia-Herzegovina was to be the key territory
The Alliance SystemTriple Entente
Triple Alliance
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