MAIN Causes of WWI

The MAIN Causes of World War I

Multiple Choice

How would the MAIN acronym help students understand the causes of World War I?

• By providing a timeline of events.

• By categorizing the causes into an easy to remember word.

• By emphasizing the economic impacts of war.

• By detailing the key battles and strategies used.

Militarism: The Arms Race
of Pre-War Europe

●Militarism is about building a strong
military for war.

●European nations competed in an arms race, increasing their weapons and armies.

●This competition caused distrust and tension between countries.

●How do you think this arms race could
have made a small conflict much bigger?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes militarism?

• A strong belief in your country's superiority

• Expanding a country's power through colonies

• Building a strong military for war.

• Agreements between countries to defend one another.

Multiple Choice

In what ways did militarism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?

• By promoting peaceful negotiations between nations.

• By fostering cultural exchanges and understanding.

• By intensifying rivalries and increasing tensions.

• By encouraging economic cooperation and trade agreements.

Alliances: A Web of
War Promises

●Alliances were meant for protection and mutual support.

●Countries agreed to defend each other if attacked.

●These agreements turned local conflicts into global wars.

●Can you think of a situation where having
a friend's back might pull you into a fight?

Multiple Choice

What was the purpose of alliances before WWI?

• To expand a country's power through colonies.

• To build a strong military for war

• For countries to protect and support each other.

• To create a sense of national pride.

Multiple Choice

How did alliances lead to the beginning of World War I?

• By isolating countries from international affairs.

• By preventing conflicts and promoting peace.

• By drawing more nations into the war.

• By encouraging unilateral military actions.

Imperialism: The Scramble for Colonies

●Imperialism is about expanding a country's power through colonies.

●European powers raced to control more territories worldwide.

●Competition for colonies led to increased tensions.

●Why might controlling more land make countries more likely to
clash?

Multiple Choice

What is imperialism?

• A strong belief in your country's superiority.

• Expanding a country's power through colonies.

• Building a strong military for war.

• Agreements between countries to defend each other.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the relationship between imperialism and the causes of World War I?

• Imperialism promoted global cooperation and unity.

• Imperialism fueled economic prosperity and growth.

• Imperialism led to increased tensions and rivalries between nations.

• Imperialism resulted in the disarmament of military forces.

Nationalism: Pride and
Prejudice

●Nationalism is a strong belief in your
country's superiority.

●It led to a sense of national pride and hostility towards others.

●Nationalism intensified rivalries and
divisions.

●How could extreme pride in one's country
create conflict with others?

Multiple Choice

What is nationalism?

• A strong belief in the superiority of your country.

• Expanding a country's power through colonies.

• Building a strong military for war.

• Agreements between countries to defend each other.

Multiple Choice

How did nationalist sentiments contribute to the tensions before World War I?

• By encouraging diplomatic negotiations and peaceful resolutions.

• By promoting cultural diversity and multiculturalism.

• By fostering a sense of superiority and division among nations.

• By advocating for international alliances and cooperation.

Connecting the Causes: A Tangled Lead-Up to War

●Each cause contributed to a tense European atmosphere.

●Militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism were interconnected.

Multiple Choice

How were the causes of World War I interconnected?

• Each cause contributed to a tense European atmosphere and fueled the others.

• They led to a sense of national pride and hostility towards others.

• They increased competition for colonies, resources, and markets.

• They created a web of war promises between countries.