Causes of World War I

It left all sides anxious and ready to act at the first sign of trouble

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

European countries form partnerships to protect themselves

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

European’s sought to protect their overseas colonies from other nations.

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

Germany greatly expanded their armed forces and navy

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

A strong devotion to one’s national group or culture

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

France and Russia joined together because they feared Germany’s growing power

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

The leaders of Serbia wanted to expand their borders to unite all of their people into a “greater Serbia.”

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

Germany and Italy were formed as a result of this major cause

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

A minor disagreement had the potential to turn quickly into an armed conflict

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism

European nations engaged in a massive military buildup

• Militarism

• Alliances

• Imperialism

• Nationalism